Good morning, Springfield.

On July 4, the Old-Fashioned 4th of July Parade & Celebration will begin at 10 a.m. in Midtown and end at Washington Park (1600 N.

Summit Ave.), featuring the Midtown Victorian Drill Team in white Victorian attire and various community groups with live music, games, and treats.

Steve Pokin’s Answer Man column shows that while hometown reports claim the Springfield Bass Pro is the largest, the Memphis location occupies 535,000 square feet compared to Springfield’s 301,564 square feet (not including 38,739 square feet for its museum).

R.C. “Happy” Hopper, 81, a local musician and former pastor, wrote 368 songs and officiated 386 weddings as he performed in churches and saloons.

Now living in Springfield, his home displays guitar designs (a nod to his enduring passion for music).

The Missouri Sports Hall of Fame museum will reopen on Aug.

12 at its new downtown location at 431 W. Walnut St after nearly five years of closure. It will operate weekdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (moved from its former site off Highway 60).

Missouri State University named Rachel Munday as assistant vice president for economic development and Matt Curry as executive director of the Roy Blunt Jordan Valley Innovation Center effective July 1 (following Allen Kunkel’s retirement) to boost innovation and economic growth.

The Missouri education department proposed A–F grade cards for schools (costing over $500k to develop and $715k annually) while warning that budget cuts and a compressed data review could lead to errors as the plan awaits board approval in August.

The Missouri Department of Conservation says fireworks are banned in conservation areas as families pack campgrounds and plan holiday weekend celebrations.

Conservation staff urge residents to find safe spots for fireworks and to report illegal displays to a county conservation agent & avoid fire risks and wildlife harm.

Scenic Avenue Bridge reopened in Springfield after months of safety improvements that include upgraded storm water systems and new paths for pedestrians and cyclists over Wilson’s Creek.

The project was funded by a voter-approved (1/4-cent) sales tax.

Ozarks Community Hospital launched a new Spravato program at Evergreen Clinic in north Springfield to treat adults with treatment-resistant depression.

The partnership with the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce aims to expand mental health care access for rural patients.

Doctors at MUHealth advise adults to watch children using sparklers during Fourth of July fireworks because the sparklers burn at nearly 2,000°F and can cause severe burns, finger loss, and eye injuries.

Chef Dyllan Dale of Wild Foods by Dyllan has shared a recipe for a toasted heirloom tomato sandwich with herb mayo + fresh basil, inviting locals to enjoy the peak-season taste of locally grown tomatoes on crispy sourdough bread.

Turners Ranch, a 10-acre housing development east of Springfield, held a ribbon-cutting on July 1.

It will offer 64 phase-one homes starting at $500,000 with the first seven finishing soon and phase two adding a pool (and courts).

Mumbles1888, a new soccer pub on Commercial Street, hosted a watch party Wednesday night as fans cheered USA’s 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina (with help from local businesses).

It will host another watch party Monday, July 6 at 7 p.m. for USA vs. Belgium.

Springfield Cardinals prospect Won-Bin Cho has boosted his baseball skills by improving his English since he began learning in 2023 — his walk-off home run on June 28 helped secure a win at Route 66 Stadium.

He aims to keep advancing toward his dream of reaching the big leagues.

The Boxmasters Concert

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Gillioz Theatre — Ticketed event — Experience the Sixties inspired sounds of The Boxmasters as they celebrate their latest album, 'In The Bay'.

Family Fishing Fun Night

6-9 p.m. — Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park — $10/person (own gear) or $15/person (rental) — Enjoy a relaxing evening of catch-and-release fishing, a Cow Train, and more at a scenic park.

Springfield Junior City Championship

Eligible for Junior Golf Scoreboard points — Bill & Payne Stewart Golf Course — Entry fee applies — Compete in a prestigious junior golf tournament.

Houndmouth Concert

7-9:30 p.m. — Gillioz Theatre — General admission available — Experience Houndmouth’s emotionally resonant music from their new album 'Lordy' in a historic venue.

Ozarks Lunkers 2026 Season

7:05 PM — Wilson Logistics Arena — Tickets from $55 — Catch the excitement as the Ozarks Lunkers take on Arkansas in this thrilling season match.

Dinner in a Cave with Springfield Community Gardens

5:30-8 p.m. — Crystal Cave — Proceeds benefit local non-profit — Experience a unique underground dinner with locally sourced cuisine and live music.

Nike Baseball Camp for Kids

9 a.m. - 12 p.m. — Route 66 Stadium — $299 for three days — Young athletes enhance their skills with professional coaching from the Springfield Cardinals.

Underoath Concert

7:00 – 9:30 PM — The Venue on Sunset — Tickets from $80 — Underoath delivers an unforgettable live music experience in Springfield.