ST. LOUIS (WSIL) -- Independence Day celebrations and festivities are making a return to St. Louis this year.
In celebration of the 40th Fair Saint Louis and in recognition of the St. Louis region’s collaborative efforts to overcome the pandemic, the Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular, sponsored by Edward Jones, will take place Sunday, July 4, 2021, starting at approximately 9:40 p.m.
The Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular will be framed by the iconic Gateway Arch and dazzle over the Mississippi River. (Rain date if necessary is Saturday, July 3.) This will be the largest fireworks show Fair Saint Louis has ever produced.
“Thanks to the generosity of so many members of our community, including Enterprise and Edward Jones, Fair Saint Louis is thrilled to produce one of America’s largest fireworks celebrations, providing a uniquely St. Louis experience that has been an annual summer tradition for our region for 40 years,� said David Estes, General Chairman, Fair Saint Louis.
Fair Saint Louis activities under the Arch � including concerts and food and drink vendors � will return in 2022.
Meanwhile, America's Birthday Parade will return to downtown St. Louis on Saturday, July 3 at 10 a.m.
“America’s Birthday Parade has been a patriotic summer tradition in St. Louis since 1878, and we are thrilled to come together this year and celebrate our community with an elaborate spectacle of floats, choreographed dances and live performances in a parade down Market Street in the shadow of the iconic Gateway Arch,� said David Plufka, Grand Marshal, America’s Birthday Parade.
With the theme “America the Beautiful,� this year’s parade will feature nearly two dozen floats, 14 local and national marching bands, and more than 250 dancers, as well as antique fire engines, giant helium balloons, and musical performances by Audri Bartholomew of “The Voice,� SJ McDonald of “American Idol� and the Red and Black Brass Band.
America’s Birthday Parade is pleased to include elements from the Annie Malone, PrideFest and St. Patrick’s Day parades, which were all canceled in 2021 due to the pandemic.
America’s Birthday Parade is free to attend. The parade will march west, from Broadway and Market streets at Kiener Plaza to 18th and Market streets near Union Station.
The week of the parade, please check for the most up-to-date restrictions and safety recommendations. Paradegoers are encouraged to bring their own bag chairs or lawn chairs for seating.
