Go ahead and prepare for what is sure to be the most popular elevator talk this week: Can you believe it’s almost July?
With the rise in temperature and oppressive humidity levels comes the great responsibility of planning for the Fourth of July. Being in Little Rock narrows things down quite a bit. The biggest display of patriotism is the annual Pops on the River celebration in the River Market area.
For the past 30 years, Arkansans have gathered along the river for an afternoon of sun, carnival foods and controlled explosions.
The event, as always, is free to enter and things kick off at noon. A Kid’s Pavilion featuring facepainting, caricatures and games is available for those toting little ones. Other events include a classic car show and live music at the amphitheater stage. Finalists in the Oh Say! Can You Sing? contest will perform starting at 5:30 p.m., with the winner singing the national anthem with the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra when they take the stage at 8:30 p.m. Fireworks (100 percent American-made, organizers say) kick off at 9:30 p.m.
For those looking to save a little money by bringing a lunch from home, be warned: No outside food, drink or coolers are allowed. There’s also no pets, smoking or fireworks ... but that seems pretty obvious.
Parking downtown could turn into a nightmare as firework time draws close, so keep in mind that a free trolley will run from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. for people who want to park a little farther away. The trolley will make stops near the Clinton Presidential Center, River Market, Patrick Hays Senior Center, Arkansas Arts Center and U.S. Post Office on Orange Street. For more information on Pops, head to arkansasonline.com/pops.