Among the communities around the area with plans to celebrate on the 4th of July, is Atlantic and Massena. In Atlantic, the day begins with a “Flight Breakfast” at the Atlantic Municipal Airport. The all-you-can eat fare which takes place from 7-a.m. until 11-a.m. is free to pilots and their guests who fly into the airport, and $6 for everyone else.

The Atlantic Jaycees are once again sponsoring the 4th of July fireworks display. Monies for the event are raised throughout the year, allowing the event to be free , but staff will be on-hand to accept your free-will donation to help cover expenses and save-up for next year’s celebration. The fireworks extravaganza and related insurance cost the Jaycees $8,000. Music will be prior to the event, with a patriotic theme commencing when the fireworks begin.

And, the City of Massena is having a “Star Spangled Celebration” on July 4th. The activities begin at 8-a.m with sand volleyball on Main Street. The food stands will open at noon in the Massena City Park, horse rides are available. At 1-p.m., there a kid’s parade through City Park, other park activities, and at 2-p.m. the Iowa Western baseball league game – Massena Red Sox vs Walnut gets underway, with concessions available.

Massena’s Independence Day Parade starts at 3-p.m. Then at 4:30- there’s guest speaker “Old Time Medicine Man.” Also at 4:30-p.m. Friday, is the basketball dunking contest in the City Park for a $5 entry fee, with cash prizes. The Massena Chamber-sponsored supper is at 5-p.m, featuring pork barbeque sandwiches with all the fixings for $7, at the Catholic Church parking lot. Entertainment at the park begins at 7-p.m., and the fireworks take to the sky at 9-p.m. The fun continues Saturday, breakfast by the Massena Lions at 7-a.m., and the 7th annual tractor ride at 8:30-a.m. – both take place at Bower Welding.