Day 4 — Saturday, July 4 🎆
Independence Day at camp. The centerpiece of the week: a big BBQ feast and a great fire.
At a Glance
| Block | Plan |
|---|---|
| Morning | Festive pancakes & bacon; lazy start |
| Late morning | Beach / paddle / fishing — pick your fun |
| Midday | Shade, naps, prep the feast |
| Afternoon | All-hands BBQ cook (eat a bit early) |
| Evening | 🎆 Feast → drive to Troy Rotary fireworks |
Morning — Festive & Slow
- Pancakes & Bacon breakfast (go red-white-blue with berries). (Schedule.)
- Easy fun: a morning paddle, beach time, or bank fishing—dealer’s choice.
Midday — Rest & Prep
- Hot part of the day: shade, water, naps.
- Start the feast prep: pulled pork reheating, BBQ chicken thighs on, beans and mac & cheese going, corn ready, watermelon chilling. (Older Smiths coordinate.)
Evening — Feast, Then Fireworks 🎆
- Dinner: Independence Day BBQ (eat a little early) — pulled pork, BBQ chicken, baked beans, mac & cheese, sweet corn, watermelon, salad, rolls. Eating ~5:30–6 leaves time to clean up and caravan to the fireworks.
- Dessert to-go: s’mores at the fire, or pack a sweet treat for the show.
Where to See Fireworks
Personal fireworks aren’t allowed in the park, so we’ll go to a nearby town display. Pick one and caravan (decide the day before):
| Show | Drive | Time | Best viewing |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🥇 Troy Rotary Fireworks | ~15 min | Gates 6 p.m., show at dark | Lincoln County Fairgrounds, 1000 Elm Tree Rd, Troy. Food on site; tune to KYRO 105.3 FM for music |
| Wentzville | ~35 min | ~9:30 p.m. | Rotary Park (overflow parking at nearby schools); coolers OK, no glass |
| St. Charles Riverfest | ~45 min | ~9:20 p.m. | Frontier Park riverfront — claim a spot early with blankets/chairs |
The easy call is the Troy Rotary show — closest, family-friendly, food on site, and synced music on the radio. (St. Charles also has a drone show on July 3 at 9:20 p.m. in Frontier Park if anyone wants a preview night.)
Fireworks-night kit: camp chairs, a blanket, bug spray, glow sticks for the kids, flashlights/headlamps, water, and ear protection or a calming plan for the dogs (the Older Smiths’ two dogs are best left settled at camp, not brought to the boom).
Confirm dates/times when we arrive (check the park board and the Troy Rotary listing). Arrive early for parking and a good spot.
Make It Special
- A quick “what we’re grateful for / favorite moment so far” lap around the fire before we head out.
- Group photo before dinner while everyone’s clean-ish.
- Glow-stick games for the kids while we wait for dark at the show.