Independence Day commemorates the July 4, 1776, adoption of the Declaration of Independence from the kingdom of Britain.

Rogers has celebrated this day since its founding in 1881, and there are some notable memories from folks who grew up here.

Probably the biggest celebrations were held at Lake Atalanta in 1948, 1949 and 1950. Cactus Clark and Eddie Bautts opened their famous Lakeside Resort on July 4, 1948, with a huge extravaganza including competitive diving, synchronized swimming, comedy acts, the Miss Lake Atalanta Beauty Contest and massive fireworks displays.

Even the governor of Arkansas attended the event.

Here are some excerpts from the Rogers Daily News describing the events on July 4, 1950, at Lake Atalanta: "One of the most popular attractions was the beauty contest that featured 11 beauties from Rogers, with Charles Decker as master of ceremonies. The contestants marched around the pool led by Venita Jo Woodruff, Miss Lake Atalanta of 1949. Shouts and cheers of encouragement came from the large crowd sitting on the natural amphitheater of the hill adjacent to the pool. The judges were prominent dignitaries from Bentonville, Eureka Springs and Springdale. After much discussion and bickering, they chose Anita Jones (Buttram) as Miss Lake Atalanta of 1950."

"Following the beauty contest came the fancy diving act by Bob Bautts. Every time Bautts did a fancy dive, members of the Fayetteville burlesque troop (water clowns) tried it in their long GI underwear, skirts, ruffles and blue jeans and kept the crowd chuckling."

"After the water show, the fireworks were launched by Bill Keltner, J.W. "Bode" Breeze, Jeff Winchester and Fred Winchester. "That was dangerous," Keltner said. "Our mortars were not the right size, and some of the fuses were too short." Some of the explosives went off the instant they were ignited and the men were slightly powder burned."

Nancy McConnaughey Lancaster was a participant in the beauty pageants.

"Some of us girls did the water shows directed by Virginia Rand. It was kind of like synchronized swimming in the movies. I also did duet swimming with Jackie Rockwood," she said. Clarice Strode Moore and Betsy Robinson-Harold also participated in the swimming shows.

These celebrations continued for three years, but were discontinued after 1951, probably because of the huge crowds that required the National Guard to direct traffic and keep the peace. At the time, Walnut Street dead-ended at Lake Atalanta and there was only one way in and out.

Rogers continued Independence Day festivities every year with fireworks and a few mishaps occurred in subsequent years.

Wilma Fields recalled on a Rogers' website an event in the mid-1980s. "The fireworks at Lake Atalanta were set off by Fire Department personnel. I remember one year when the igniter was accidentally dropped, and set them all off at once. Very spectacular, but very short."

Gary Faulkenbury agreed. "It was in the mid-1980s. I took my children to watch and it only lasted 5 to 7 minutes."

I asked Karen Buttram Walls for her memories. "My mom, Anita Jones Buttram, was Miss Lake Atalanta of 1950. Her prizes for winning the contest included a year of free skating and swimming. My grandfather, John W. 'Bill' Jones, was born on the Fourth of July and my dad, W. Dan Buttram, was also born on the Fourth of July. Besides the fireworks, sometimes there were singing groups as part of the entertainment. It was a nice setting at the lake and park, and provided a patriotic, family-oriented, small-town environment that brings back sweet memories."

"We had fireworks at Lake Atalanta for a long time," said Karen Russell Burks. "I remember watching from Ray Harris' yard above the lake, I believe in the '70s or later."

Rogers has continued to sponsor fireworks shows as part of the Independence Day celebrations every year, usually on July 3, and recently at Veterans Park.

This year, because of construction at the park, the celebration will be held at Whitey Smith Stadium at Rogers High School. The theme is "Red, White and Blue," and the stadium will open at 6:30 p.m. with music provided by a DJ.

Free watermelon will be provided by Regions Bank. About 10,000 folks are expected to enjoy the fireworks display that will begin about 9 p.m.