Uniontown's July 4 celebration offers park revamp funding

The sky over Uniontown is lit up with bright fireworks during the town's Fourth of July celebration Thursday night. -- Jason Silvers/Tribune Photo

By Jason E. Silvers

The Fort Scott Tribune

UNIONTOWN -- The third annual Independence Day Bash has been labeled a success, organizers of the event said Monday.

The Fourth of July celebration and fundraiser, which took place Thursday evening at the Uniontown City Park, brought in nearly $1,800 for the Uniontown Park Improvement Fund to pay for several improvements and renovation projects at the city park, co-organizer Bryan Holt said.

"Of course, every year we hear and see things that we can do differently and better, but overall I think it went well," Holt said.

Holt, who is on a committee that plans the event each year, said that all of the proceeds generated from the event in recent years has allowed the committee to purchase new limestone fence posts, build new shelter houses, replace aging and weatherworn playground equipment, and lay new concrete sidewalks inside the park. About $2,200 was raised during the event last year.

There is typically no charge for people to attend the event each year, but the committee accepts any free will donations that go directly into the park improvement fund. Some of the raised funds are generated through concession sales at the event.

Hundreds of people assembled in the park Thursday to enjoy food, refreshments, and a gigantic fireworks display later that evening that was prepared, handled and supervised by a group of local volunteers, including USD 235 Superintendent Randy Rockhold. A variety of outdoor games and activities, including an inflatable obstacle course, kept youngsters pleased and occupied throughout the event.

"We had between 300 and 350 people (this year)," Holt said. "We plan to do it again next year."

Long-time Uniontown resident Jake Underwood, who attended the event with family and friends, said he believes the event planning committee has been successful in improving the event and drawing more recognition to it each year.

"I think it's a very nice thing they've done for the community," Underwood said.

The event planning committee organizes and conducts the event each year to fund several projects that are designed to beautify the park and make it more attractive and appealing to visitors.