The Emmet shindig for the Fourth was free, said Deanna Allen, member of the Emmet Vision Association, the 40-year-old citizens group that organized the day's events, because of many sponsors who signed on to make it so. 

"This year we got our 501c3, tax exemption, so we were able to reach out to several corporate sponsors," Allen said, naming several. "Hines Trucking, South Ark Electric, Bank of Delight, Bank of Tom Bean, the Farm Store, Farm Bureau, Emmett and 67 Gas and Grill, Daryl Davis Insurance, Piggly Wiggly, Foster Insulation, Kenny Munn. We are so appreciative, because we couldn't have done this without them. All the activities, the bounce houses, the train, the band, the fireworks are free. We get our corporate sponsors to help us pay for that."

It was money well spent, too, with hundreds of folks dressed in their summer clothes gathering around and inside the pavilion as well as around the food trucks.  The mini-train also drew quite a line of kids and parents waiting for their turns.

The fireworks started their ascent at about 8:40, fulfilling that verse in the National Anthem about rockets red glare and bombs bursting in air.  Although many of the rockets were also green, blue, pink and purple. You can see what we mean in the photos.