By PHYLLIS ZORN

Staff writer

Peabody’s 101st annual Fourth of July fireworks show will draw spectators from far and wide, with many people coming from out of state to see the spectacle.

It is one of the few remaining fireworks shows that includes a ground display.

A traditional grand finale of “The Battle of New Orleans” will end the show.

Many activities are on this year’s agenda, beginning the evening of July 1.

Peabody American Legion will serve pizza from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday. A dance to the band Highway 35 will begin at 8 p.m. and last until midnight. There is no cover charge for the dance.

A three-day downtown flea market will begin at noon Friday, at 10 a.m. Saturday, and at 1 p.m. Sunday. The flea market will end at 5 p.m. each day.

Peabody Museum will be open from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday.

American Legion will be host for an alumni dance and karaoke from 9 p.m. Sunday to 1 a.m. Monday. Money raised by the dance will go toward the alumni scholarship at Peabody-Burns High School.

Events on the Fourth include a horseshoe tournament at the park will begin at 8 a.m. Registration will be at 7 a.m.

Competition widens at 10 a.m. when turtles will stampede to a finish line at the football field and determined washer tossers will show off their skills playing washers at the park.

OK, turtles usually don’t stampede, but they will give it their best shot.

Turtle owners — and presumably turtles as well — of all ages are encouraged to see who takes home prizes.

Registration for teams of two entering the washers tournament at the park will begin at 9:30 a.m. The tournament will begin at 10 a.m. Proceeds will go to alumni scholarships.

Free swimming at the park will be from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Kids’ games in the park will begin at noon.

Peabody Historical Society will sponsor an ice cream social from 2 to 4 p.m. at Vintage Bank Park. Cost is by donation.

The Historical Society will sell copies of “Light of the Sky, by Don Skinner and Peabody T-shirts.

Raffle tickets will be sold for a patriotic quilt. Money raised will be used to help repair and paint the octagonal building in the park. Built in 1881, it held the floral display for the state fair in 1885. In the past, it was used for horses and supplies, quilt displays, fair contests, and to shelter football players. Donations for the building are being accepted by Peabody Historical Society, PO Box 60, Peabody KS 66866.

Music in the park and a parade downtown will be at 5 p.m. Parade lineup will begin at 4 p.m. at the high school.

Fireworks will begin at 9 p.m.

Admission buttons are $5 and can be purchased most businesses or paid for at the gate. Children 3 and under are admitted free.