Attendees of Eureka's Fourth of July Celebration could beat the heat through misters provided by Eureka Fire Protection District. For those who wanted to brave a little more intensity, firefighters offered a more powerful surge of water from a hose-based waterfall.

Eureka Mayor Kevin Coffey reminded all that the Fourth of July was about freedom and pride. "It's about being able to live life as you wish," he said. "It's a wonderful thing. Everyone should be proud of being an American."

He thanked the Eureka Parks and Recreation staff, board and volunteers, as well as the West St. Louis County Lions Club members for providing the concessions that "could feed an entire family for under $10."

Chris Weber and VFW Commander and former U.S. Marine Ken Allison assisted with a flag raising ceremony. Weber manned a booth to assist veterans with referrals to Veterans Administration benefits and questions about medical isseus.

The crowd was smaller than normal, but several hundred people enjoyed the activities. More people arrived closer to 8 p.m., as the sun went down and the temperatures dropped a little.

Come back to Eureka-Wildwood Patch for additional coverage of these activities:

• Car Show 
• Eureka Fire Protection District's Bike Patrol
• Hollywood 5 Concert
• 1860s Vintage Baseball Exhibition