Good morning, Springfield.

The Midtown Neighborhood Association held its 34th annual Fourth of July parade on July 4, kicking off at 10 a.m. at the intersection of Central Ave and Drury Lane—floats, antique cars, and a Victorian Ladies Drill Team led the route to Washington Park where a party lasted until 1 p.m.

Preliminary work began on land improvements for a new church temple in south Springfield this week, with plans to widen roads, add curbs, gutters, sidewalks, and storm drainage improvements — the city has approved the plan.

The temple will be 29000 square feet with a spire and will serve members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints while an official groundbreaking date is pending.

Backyard Pyro opened a new year-round retail store in Rogersville on June 30 to offer fireworks, and the company was founded by Jason Neeley to simplify the shopping experience.

It also runs tents in Springfield, Ozark and Fordland and adjusted its strategy to overcome tariff changes on imported fireworks — planning to import 75% from China next season.

Springfield's Ingram Enterprises now owns Pyro Spectaculars that put on Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks show in New York City, and CEO Mike Ingram helped ring the New York Stock Exchange closing bell on July 3 at noon central time.

The company is also planning a new branch to bring more local fireworks displays to Springfield and nearby areas.

Aubrey Kennedy, owner of Bruno’s, opened a new bar called The Kennedy at 416 South Ave in a historic downtown building on July 1 — the bar will hold a grand opening with live music on July 18 and offer casual cocktails with small bites.

Springfield Contemporary Theatre’s 30th Anniversary Season is curated by new Executive Artistic Director Brandon Thomsen and focuses on relationships between artists, audiences, and the community—six productions will run at the Historic Fox Theatre from Sept.

25 through June 14 with season tickets on sale July 8.

Wilson's Creek National Battlefield will host a free speaker series at 1 p.m. each Sunday starting tomorrow, July 6, where historians and park officials will discuss the site's history and preservation.

The sessions run through Aug. 3 and will conclude with an outdoor ceremony on Aug. 10 (164th battle anniversary) that includes a memorial wreath presentation.

Most Conference USA head football coaches are young and have plenty of experience, with many serving several seasons in their roles.

Missouri State’s head coach Ryan Beard, 36, is among the longest-tenured as he leads his team into its first FBS season plus other schools have hired coaches with strong histories from top programs.

Missouri State will make its FBS debut in NCAA 26 on Monday, July 7 through a deluxe pre-order package that gives fans an early play opportunity — showcasing Plaster Stadium and campus details sent to EA Sports — and the game features 136 FBS teams with key player ratings.

Fans can view detailed team information that boosts the Bears' national profile in this highly anticipated college football video game.

Field Trip Films: Monsters Inc.

2-4 p.m. — Gillioz Theatre — $5 to $10 — Enjoy a showing of Monsters Inc. and dive into the whimsical monster world.

JAWS Anniversary Night

6:30-9 p.m. — Gillioz Theatre — Ticket purchase required — Celebrate Shark Week early with a screening of JAWS and ocean education activities.

Hades Climb Challenge

7-11 a.m. — Ozark Mountain Sports Complex — Registration fee required — Conquer the stairs and test your endurance at this electrifying climbing challenge.

Movie Matinee: Rocky

2 p.m. — Gillioz Theatre — Ticket & Concession Voucher combo available — Experience the iconic 1976 film 'Rocky' featuring Sylvester Stallone as a small-time boxer chasing the heavyweight title.

Robin Trower Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — Gillioz Theatre — Tickets available — Experience the legendary guitarist Robin Trower perform classics from his iconic albums.

Ultimate Tribute to the Bee Gees

7:30-10 p.m. — Gillioz Theatre — $38 to $78 — Experience the stunning harmonies and disco hits of the Bee Gees performed live by an acclaimed tribute band.

The Cleverlys Live Performance

6-7:30 p.m. — Blue Room Comedy Club — Check venue for ticket prices — Enjoy a unique blend of comedy and bluegrass music from the renowned Cleverlys.

Soccer Summer Camp in Springfield

8 a.m. - 2 p.m. — Allison Sports Town — Registration required — Experience a unique soccer camp led by Real Madrid coaches for ages 6-17.

1 Million Cups-Springfield

9-11 a.m. — Bambinos Cafe on Battlefield — Free coffee — Network with local entrepreneurs and grow your business in a friendly setting.

Berlin Concert at Ozark Empire Fair

7:30-8:00 p.m. — Ozark Empire Fairgrounds — Tickets from $18.00 — Enjoy a live performance by the iconic band Berlin under the stars.