A 4th of July Celebration at Fair St. Louis in St. Louis, Missouri

St. Louis certainly knows how to throw a party, especially a birthday party. Double especially a 4th of July birthday party. So if you want to celebrate the 4th of July in the sweltering St. Louis summer heat, along with a couple of hundred thousand other party goers, make your way to downtown St. Louis, the Mississippi Riverfront and the Gateway Arch grounds on July 3rd and 4th and become part of Fair St. Louis.

Fair St. Louis has been an integral part of St. Louis summer fun since its inception in 1981as the V.P. (Veiled Prophet) Fair. Although it has been scaled back to two days this year from the three day event in previous years, Fair St. Louis still is jam packed with offerings for all ages.

Admission to the Fair is free. Fair St. Louis begins at 6:00 P.M. and ends at 10:00 P.M. on Friday, July 3. It reopens at 11:00 A.M. on July 4 and closes after a spectacular fireworks display that commences around 9:15 P.M. The annual V.P. Parade complete with ornate floats, marching bands, and helium balloons kicks off the day of fun winding its way through downtown St. Louis beginning at 10:00 on July 4th.

Musical entertainment will be provided by Counting Crows at 8:00 P.M. on July 3. Nat and Alex Wolff of Nickelodeon fame perform at 1:00 P.M. on July 4. Train takes to the stage at 8:00 P.M. for the evening show. Come early and find a seat on the steps leading up to the Arch.

Sometime during your day at Fair St. Louis, you'll crave an ice cold drink and something to cure the hunger pangs. Vendors along Lenoir K. Sullivan Blvd. literally offer everything under the St. Louis sun from hot dogs to funnel cakes and ethnic cuisine. Of course, cold St. Louis brew is available. Prices are moderate. You won't be gouged as you might find yourself at other event venues.

Kids have their own section of the Fair at their disposal. Dog shows, circus acts and music will delight both young and old.

But the main reason to attend the Fair is for the fireworks extravaganza at the end of each evening. Brilliant lights illuminate the St. Louis sky and the Arch as the multitude of fairgoers chant approval with a chorus of "oohs" and "ahhs."

Parking is at a premium for this event. Garages and lots near the Arch are costly, but if you don't mind a bit of a walk free parking is available on the streets further west of the Arch grounds.