Wesson celebrates America’s 250th and 4th of July
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- 2 min read
By Jessica Breazeale
Rain and rumbling skies couldn’t dampen the spirit of Wesson’s Fourth of July celebration, as families packed Wesson Park for a night that doubled as a tribute to America’s 250th birthday.
The event, held from 5 to 10 p.m. at Wesson Park on July 4, featured a lineup of contests and activities for all ages, including a watermelon eating and seed-spitting contest, a hot dog eating contest, an ice cream brain freeze contest, and a mini pecan pie eating contest. An apple pie baking contest also drew entries from locals. Vendors on site sold food and beverages throughout the evening.
One of the night’s biggest draws was the dunking booth, where Wesson Mayor Alton Shaw and Co-Lin head baseball coach Kyle Flessner took turns in the tank, drawing long lines of residents eager to take their best shot.
Despite periods of rain throughout the evening, organizers said turnout remained strong, with residents bringing lawn chairs and umbrellas to wait out the weather, rather than miss the festivities. Organizers said the weather served as a reminder of the community’s resilience, rather than a setback.
Special thanks were extended to Stephen Ashley and Mike King, who helped plan the event alongside their respective teams. Local sponsors and businesses helped support the event.
A Kids Patriotic Parade kicked off at 6 p.m., with children decorating bikes and wagons in red, white and blue. Special music was provided throughout the evening by Sami Curole of Wesson, adding to the night’s festive atmosphere. The evening’s centerpiece was a ceremony at 8:15 p.m. honoring the 250th anniversary of the United States, recognizing 250 years of freedom, faith and the American spirit.
Pastor James Harris offered remarks towards the event conclusion. The event finished with a fireworks display at 9 p.m., lighting up the sky over Wesson.
