The City of Avoca is working on getting back to the history of the 4th of July celebration this year. Anna Hoegh, Main Street Director for Avoca, says activities begin at 11-a.m., Friday. “We’re going to have things starting downtown on the Main Street. The United Church of Avoca will have their food stand open and Pauley Jones will serve free watermelon at the Avoca Veteran’s Plaza.”

A sand volleyball tournament will be held at the same time at Edgington Memorial Park. The Avoca Museum will be open during the afternoon as well. Before the parade, Avoca will recognize the Veterans, “We are going to have a reading of the Declaration of Independence and then recognize the area residents that are currently serving in the Armed Forces. Then at 2-p.m. we will have the parade. That is going to start at the Fairgrounds, go up Elm Street through Main Street turn on Wool and end at Pauley Jones and Avoca Super Foods.”

Edgington Park will be open for picnics and family gatherings throughout the day along with the city pool. The Avoca Fourth of July will set off fireworks at dusk on top of the Avoca Golf Course to finish the evening.