Posted in Events

What’s Happening in East Central Missouri June 29 – July 12, 2026

Posted on by Amanda

We’re heading into July and that means fireworks and other outdoor events, along with some scorching summer days. Over the next two weeks, celebrate America’s 250th birthday with firework displays around Franklin County and nearby communities, test your knowledge of our nation’s history at the 250 Years of American Trivia event at the Union library, and more.

After the holiday, the fun keeps on going with an 80s fantasy film festival, plenty of free live music events, a stargazing event, and community markets.

As a reminder, always double check with event venues before heading out just in case an event gets canceled, rescheduled, or experiences weather delays.

Did I miss an event? Tag me on Facebook or Instagram and I can share the event in my stories.

Various dates and times
Cinema 1 Plus in Washington is having a few special movie events throughout the summer. There are kid films series that are $2 a viewing, as well as a flashback cinema series, which offer a second chance to catch a classic flick on the big screen.
Find out more on Facebook.

Various dates and times
Great 8 Cinema in Union and Sullivan 6 Cinema are also featuring a special kids summer film series that kicks off mid-May and runs through late August. Additionally, the admission is $2, and there are $5 value combos available.
Get details on Facebook.

Multiple days
The USDA Summer Food Service is partnering with the Washington Public Library to help area families to provide food service beginning Monday, June 29 and continuing on every Mondays until public school starts. The food service includes 7 days of breakfast and lunch, with fresh fruit, vegetable, and dairy. This service is for families with children ages 1-18. Pickup is at the Washington Public Library on Mondays between 4-6 p.m.
Get more info.

Multiple days
Scenic Regional Library and Foundations for Strengthening Families are partnering to help area families with summer food service beginning Monday, June 29 through Monday, August 17. The service will provide one week’s worth of breakfast and lunch items for kids, available while supplies last. Food pickup will be in each library branch’s parking lot and pickup times and days vary by each branch.
Find pickup days and times.

Thursday, July 2
The Scenic Regional Library Union Branch will host 250 Years of American Trivia at 6 p.m. Teams of four will test their knowledge of people, events, pop culture, and milestones that shaped the nation.
Registration required.

Friday, July 3
The City of Union will have its fireworks display at Veterans Memorial Park at approximately 9:30 p.m. Bring lawn chairs, coolers, blankets and yard games to make an evening of it at the park. There will be concessions available for purchase as well as a beer garden. Sky Candle Band  will be performing at 6:30 p.m. and there will be a free face painter for the children along with balloon sculpting and barrel rides.
Find out more.

Friday, July 3
The American Legion in New Haven will continue its summer music series called America 250 with a live performance by Shock Treatment beginning at 6 p.m.
Get more info on Facebook.

Saturday, July 4
The Star Spangled 4th Fireworks celebration is happening from 6-10 p.m. at the Washington Fairgrounds. Find food vendors, live music, kids activities, craft vendors, and a fireworks show at 9:30 p.m.
Get more info.

Saturday, July 4
Celebrate America’s 250th birthday along with the Route 66 Centennial at Pacific’s 4th of July Parade. There will be classic cars, a float celebrating veterans, a live bald eagle, plus first responders, and more.
Learn more.

Saturday, July 4
Looking for something to do during the day on 4th of July? Beat the heat inside The Alley in Washington and enjoy half-priced games from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Find more details.

Advertisement – Thinking about adding a new outdoor kitchen, deck, or other upgrade to your home? Contact Brandon with Freelance Services, to help you with the design and permit drawings.

Thursday, July 9
Enjoy the free live music event Music at the Market, at the Washington Farmers Market from 5-8 p.m. Hear music from Extremely Unplugged, purchase food from Big Boys Subs & Wings and wine from Adam Puchta Winery.
Learn more.

Friday, July 10
Sullivan Pointe and Dunsford Court invite you to Light Up the Night, Brighten the Fight to support the Alzheimer’s Association. Celebrate America’s 250th birthday from 5-9 p.m. and enjoy food trucks, a silent auction, family fun, and fireworks by Ryan Jackson of Hale Fireworks.
Get more info.

Friday, July 10
The Alley in Washington is hosting a comedy show. The evening will be hosted by Manny Garza, and will feature Jennie Weaver and headlined by Jason Jenkins. Tickets are $27 per person.
Find out more on Facebook.

Friday, July 10 & Saturday, July 11
*Canceled July 9 due to low registration; another class may be scheduled in Aug.*
American Street Edge Self-Defense Systems in St. Clair is having a two-day Self-Defense & Safety Awareness seminar for women. This high-level, immersive women’s street safety and self-defense experience designed to make you safer, sharper, and more confident. Cost is $75 to attend, and only 12 spots are available so register early to make sure you’re able to attend.
Reserve your spot and read more about the seminar.

Friday, July 10 & Saturday, July 11
With a focus on live stock shows, tractor pulls, and kids activities like pony rides, a petting zoo, bounce houses, and more, the New Haven Community Youth Fair is two days of rural fun in July.
View the schedule of events.

Friday, July 10 – Sunday, July 12
Celebrate Eight Nine Eight Cigar Lounge & Bar’s first anniversary with sales and events all weekend long, plus a live DJ on Friday, and live music by Tom Norton on Saturday, and Steve Leslie on Sunday.
Find live music times, specials info, and more details.

Friday, July 10
The free live music event Sunset on the Rails continues in Pacific this month with a performance by the band The Machines. The event begins at 5 p.m. at Pacific Station Plaza, in downtown Pacific.
Find out more.

Friday, July 10
Market off Main, Union’s community market features items from local vendors, makers, and farmers. The event begins at 4 p.m. and continues until 7 p.m. Enjoy live music, plus food and drinks available for purchase.
Get more details.

Saturday, July 11
The Scenic Regional Library St. Clair Branch is offering a STEAM Ahead Science program for kids on Saturday, July 11 and Saturday, July 25. Kiddos will be getting hands on with science involving themes of paleontology and microbiology! Attendees need to register for this program to reserve their spot.
Register and learn more.

Saturday, July 11
The Sullivan Community Market is happening from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Muddy Banks Brewing in Sullivan. Find locally made crafts, produce, and more.
Get more details.

Saturday, July 11
Frisco Farmhouse is having another community market from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Shop from a variety of vendors, including two plant vendors: Papillion Perinnials and For the Love of Plants.
Learn more.

Saturday, July 11
The 6th Annual car show is happening at the Union Moose Lodge from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Find out more.

Saturday, July 11
Enjoy some free stargazing at ECC’s lower parking lot. Arrive at dusk, and bring your own stargazing equipment such as binoculars and lawn chairs.
Learn more.

Saturday, July 11
Spend Saturday delving into some of the best fantasy films of the 80s at The Scenic Regional Library Pacific Branch. The following weekend the library is hosting an 80s Fantasy Film Trivia, so get a jump start on your trivia knowledge while enjoying a few flicks! Movies will start at 10 a.m., 12 p.m., and 2 p.m. and these showings will include free popcorn. Bring your favorite soft drink and prepare to have a great Saturday at the library. Drop in for one film, or stay for all three. Registration required to attend.
Register here.

Road Trippin’

Take a little road trip to some of these events happening within a short drive of Franklin County.

Multiple dates from June – August
Brookdale Farms in Eureka is having Camp Brookdale, a summer camp event for kids. This screen-free day camp event will give kids an outdoor, adventure themed experience all summer long.
Learn more.

Wednesday, July 1 – Saturday, July 4
Rolla’s annual Lion’s Club Carnival is happening from July 1-4. The festivities will include a drone show the evening of Thursday, July 2, as well as a parade and fireworks display on July 4th.
Get more details.

Friday, July 3
The Marthasville Ballpark is the place to be for free, family fun. Enjoy live music by Twisted Fiction, find food at the concession stand which will be open from 6-10 p.m., there will also be a bounce house, the Honor Guard will make an appearance at 9:15 p.m., and a firework display at dark. Bring the whole family out for some fun and celebration!
Get more details.

Friday, July 3
Head to Hood Park in Cuba for a fireworks display that will begin at dusk.
Find out more.

Saturday, July 4
The town of Salem will have an Independence Day celebration that includes food vendors, fireworks, and more.
Find out more.

Saturday, July 4
Six Flags will host Star Spangled Nights, with patriotic celebrations happening throughout the day at the park including eight all-new shows, patriotic music, and a fireworks display to cap off the special day.
Get tickets.

Saturday, July 4
Celebrate America’s 250th birthday in Rosebud. Hear live music performed by Big Daddy Rooster from 6-8:30 p.m., concessions, a kids candy cannon, and a fireworks display.
Check out the details.

Saturday, July 4
Freedom Fest in Steelville will feature live music performed by Bob Kraus, The Lone Pine Band, and Borderline, as well as a car cruise-in, food and craft booths, and fireworks.
Learn more.

Saturday, July 4
Head to Central Avenue Spur in Eureka at 6 p.m. for the 250 Years Independence Day Celebration that will include music by Steven Woolley & The Groove.
Find out more.

Saturday, July 11
Brookdale Farms in Eureka is having a Bobbers and BBQ event that will feature fishing, BBQ, live music, lakeside lounging, campfires, root beer floats, and memory-making activities built for dads and fun for everyone. 
Get tickets.

Saturday, July 11
St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Eureka is hosting a Touch a Truck event. Kids will be able to explore the many different types of trucks at this free, all ages event. A free toy car will given to the first 200 kids. There will also be items for purchase from the Dynasty Manna food truck and Cool Times ice cream truck.
Learn more.

Saturday, July 11
Noboleis Vineyards in Augusta is continuing its summer outdoor movie series called Films in the Vines with a showing of “A League of Their Own.” The show begins at 8:15 p.m. and beverages, movie theater popcorn, candy and select grab n’ go items will be available throughout the evening.
Find out more.

Have a public event coming up? Submit your event details like time, location, and cost to attend. Be sure to include your website and social media details so I can help spread the word about your event!

Posted in Events

Where to Find Firework Displays and America 250 Celebrations in and Around Franklin County

Posted on by Amanda

This year the celebrations feel extra special since it’s not only the 4th of July, it’s also America’s 250th birthday, as well as being the year of the Route 66 Centennial. And area towns are gearing up for festivities beginning as early as Friday, June 26 as well as celebrations heading into the first week of July and on Independence Day.

Sullivan, Friday, June 26 & Saturday, June 27
Pyro’s Firework Nightmare promises to be Sullivan’s biggest 4th of July celebration. This two-day event will feature access to the haunted house, food, drink, and craft vendors, along with firework displays each evening.
Find out more.

Union, Friday, June 26
Macadoodles Fine Wine, Beer, & Spirits in Union is having a Passport to 250 Community Celebration from 5-9 p.m. Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy live music, bites from area food trucks, games and activities for the whole family, and more.
Get more details.

St. Clair, Saturday, June 27
The City of St. Clair is having its annual Freedom Fest event at Orchard Park. The fun begins at 4 p.m. and includes food, vendors, face painting, live music, a fireworks display, and more.
Get more info.

Bland, Saturday, June 27
The City of Bland is having an all day celebration at Bland City Park. The festivities begin at 12 p.m. and there will be concessions featuring fish sandwiches, hot dogs, hamburgers, and funnel cakes, as well as live music from Front Porch Trio and Hat Trick, as well as a fireworks show to cap off the event.
Learn more.

Pacific, Saturday, June 27
Downtown Pacific’s 24th Annual Car Show & Block Party will feature over 500 cars, as well as entertainment for the whole family. The event runs from early morning until night, and will feature a fireworks display.
Find out more.

Owensville, Sunday, June 28
Head to Memorial Park in Owensville to celebrate the 4th of July holiday and America’s 250th Anniversary early. The festivities will include a picnic starting at 4 p.m. and fireworks at approximately 9:30 p.m. There will be food and beverages for purchase with cash only at ticket booth, along with fun events for kids and adults of all ages starting at 5 p.m.
Learn more.

Rolla, Wednesday, July 1 – Saturday, July 4
Rolla’s annual Lion’s Club Carnival is happening from July 1-4. The festivities will include a drone show the evening of Thursday, July 2, as well as a parade and fireworks display on July 4th.
Get more details.

Union, Friday, July 3
The City of Union will have its fireworks display at Veterans Memorial Park at approximately 9:30 p.m. Bring lawn chairs, coolers, blankets and yard games to make an evening of it at the park. There will be concessions available for purchase as well as a beer garden. Sky Candle Band  will be performing at 6:30 p.m. and there will be a free face painter for the children along with balloon sculpting and barrel rides.
Find out more.

Marthasville, Friday, July 3
The Marthasville Ballpark is the place to be for free, family fun. Enjoy live music by Twisted Fiction, find food at the concession stand which will be open from 6-10 p.m., there will also be a bounce house, the Honor Guard will make an appearance at 9:15 p.m., and a firework display at dark. Bring the whole family out for some fun and celebration!
Get more details.

Cuba, Friday, July 3
Head to Hood Park in Cuba for a fireworks display that will begin at dusk.
Find out more.

Sullivan, Saturday, July 4
The Celebrate America 2026 Fireworks Display at the Sullivan Fairgrounds will begin at approximately 9 – 9:15 p.m. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and watch the fireworks.
Learn more.

Salem, Saturday, July 4
The town of Salem will have an Independence Day celebration that includes food vendors, fireworks, and more.
Find out more.

Eureka, Saturday, July 4
Six Flags will host Star Spangled Nights, with patriotic celebrations happening throughout the day at the park including eight all-new shows, patriotic music, and a fireworks display to cap off the special day.
Get tickets.

Rosebud, Saturday, July 4
Celebrate America’s 250th birthday in Rosebud. Hear live music performed by Big Daddy Rooster from 6-8:30 p.m., concessions, a kids candy cannon, and a fireworks display.
Check out the details.

Washington, Saturday, July 4
The Star Spangled 4th Fireworks celebration is happening from 6-10 p.m. at the Washington Fairgrounds. Find food vendors, live music, kids activities, craft vendors, and a fireworks show at 9:30 p.m.
Get more info.

Steelville, Saturday, July 4
Freedom Fest in Steelville will feature live music performed by Bob Kraus, The Lone Pine Band, and Borderline, as well as a car cruise-in, food and craft booths, and fireworks.
Learn more.

Eureka, Saturday, July 4
Head to Central Avenue Spur in Eureka at 6 p.m. for the 250 Years Independence Day Celebration that will include music by Steven Woolley & The Groove.
Find out more.

Pacific, Saturday, July 4
Celebrate America’s 250th birthday along with the Route 66 Centennial at Pacific’s 4th of July Parade. There will be classic cars, a float celebrating veterans, a live bald eagle, plus first responders, and more.
Learn more.

Posted in Advertorial Feature

Improve Indoor Air Quality with Duct Cleaning and Air Purifiers from BreathEasy

Posted on by Amanda

After spending more than 30 years in the heating and cooling industry and running his own business where he installed and maintained HVAC equipment as well as provided repairs, in October 2024, James Heller applied his expertise to his current business BreathEasy. With a focus on improving indoor air quality, the company provides services such as air duct and dryer vent cleaning, and installing products that help improve air quality while also extending the life of HVAC equipment. 

BreathEasy can install whole home air purifiers such as the REME HALO®, which is an indoor air purifier that’s easily installed in existing air conditioning system ductwork, as well as a variety of purifiers by AprilAire. Other products BreathEasy provides include whole home humidifiers and dehumidifiers, ventilators that bring fresh air into your home without losing heating or cooling, as well as programmable thermostats. 

When he sold his original HVAC business, James took an office position at an HVAC equipment supply house. At that time, he didn’t intend to start another business from the ground up and thought thought he’d work in the supply house until he retired. However, working inside the office building began triggering an existing health issue and started making him ill. That experience led him to jump back into entrepreneurship, involving two of his three grown sons in the business and to think about what the business would mean for the future of his family. 

“I started BreathEasy to leave a legacy for my kids and family,” James shares. 

Healthy air is a necessity

Because we often can’t see the things that are polluting the air inside our homes or businesses with the naked eye, we may assume that all indoor air is equally clean. That’s not the case, and for people with certain health conditions like asthma, allergies, and other health and respiratory issues, the quality of indoor air can have a direct impact on their overall health and the quality of their daily life.

Since James experienced this first hand working at the supply house, that situation reinforced why the air quality in homes and businesses is so important. Starting BreathEasy was a happy side effect of an unfortunate circumstance, but it also underscored statistics that James was already familiar with due to his years in the industry.

“Inside air can be five to 10 times more contaminated than the air outdoors, even on a high allergy day, because that contaminated air is built up and keeps circulating through the home,” he explains.

That’s why the products and services provided by BreathEasy are something that should be installed in nearly every home or business. Over time dust, allergens, mold, pet dander, and other air contaminants can build up and get trapped in the air ducts. Not only are tiny particles forced out every time air comes through the ducts, you and everyone in your home or business is breathing those items in.

The inside of air ducts that are filled with dust, pet dander, and other things that pollute indoor air. Photo credit: James Heller with BreathEasy.

The BreathEasy process

If it’s been a while since the air ducts have been cleaned at your home or office, it may be time to call BreathEasy to come out and check them. When James or one of his sons arrives on site, they’ll use a small camera attached to the end of a flexible rod that’s about six feet long to probe inside the ducts. The camera can take pictures as well as video, and allows a potential client to see the full extent of the buildup.

And, there are times when the service isn’t needed, such was the case when on a recent house call where the client had just purchased the home. The camera revealed that the ductwork in the home didn’t have buildup and had likely been recently cleaned. 

When it is determined that the ducts need to be cleaned, the pros at BreathEasy have two options to remove the debris. They can use a piece of equipment called The Maintainer, which has a Hepa filter and a dual motor that provides double filtration. For jobs with significant buildup and debris in the ductwork, The Extractor is used. This much larger piece of equipment also has a Hepa filter and dual motor, but it provides triple filter capture. 

Depending on the situation, once the ductwork has been cleaned, a BreathEasy tech may recommend other products, such as a whole home air purifier, humidifier, or dehumidifier, to ensure the air quality remains high inside your house. Customers may find peace of mind knowing that the products that are suggested by James aren’t a random selling technique, but come from a knowledgeable expert that has first-hand experience with everything he suggests. 

Air ducts can contain dirt, dust, and random debris, as seen in this short video clip. Video credit: James Heller with BreathEasy.

“I don’t suggest products I don’t use, and I use all of them,” he shares.

In the late spring 2025 James inspected the ductwork in my home and found significant buildup. Those findings weren’t a surprise since we’d just purchased the home and it’s nearly 100 years old. Due to the age of the home and buildup, the job required using The Extractor to properly clean the ductwork. After cleaning the ducts, BreathEasy also installed a REME HALO® UV air purifier to work in conjunction with our existing HVAC system.  

The team at BreathEasy can also install air filters to provide cleaner air, whole house dehumidifiers to eliminate moisture in places like damp basements, or a whole house humidifier, which is a good option if you notice there’s a lot of static electricity buildup during winter when the heat is on. 

BreathEasy provides services to homes and businesses in St. Louis, St. Charles, Franklin, and Jefferson Counties. If you’re interested in learning more, contact BreathEasy at 636-875-6767, reach out by email, or visit the company’s website.

Posted in Advertorial Feature

Demystifying Health Insurance at Every Stage of Life — A Look Inside STL Medicare Benefits

Posted on by Amanda

Although Medicare is part of the business name, it doesn’t tell the whole story of what STL Medicare Benefits does, since the business offers health insurance for people of all ages, income levels, and employment status. Owner and founder Jason Muehlheausler and his team make the entire process of finding and attaining the right coverage as seamless as possible — from expert plan recommendations provided by licensed advisors to online enrollment and the ability to shop from a variety of carriers for the most cost-effective option. 

Because there’s a variety of insurance offerings, the company operates under two names depending on the product: STL Medicare Benefits for Medicare, and the Muehl Group for Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans and group health assistance.

STL Medicare Benefits can help clients with private-carrier plans that work alongside or in place of Medicare Advantage (Part C), Medicare Supplement (Medigap), and Part D prescription drug plans for people 65 and over. Under the Muehl Group, the company can help clients find ACA plans that are available to people under age 65, and individual life insurance policies. In addition to the individual plans, Jason and his team also offer small and large group healthcare plans as well as ancillary products such as life, dental, and vision for employers looking to provide a comprehensive benefit package for their employees. 

The ‘why’ behind the company

Jason has been in the health insurance industry for eight years and helping clients find the right coverage is just one of the things that drives him. He points to one story in particular that has stayed with him for years and says this one experience sums up why he does this work.

“Early in my career, I sold an Institutional Special Needs Plan (I-SNP) with UnitedHealthcare, designed for residents of long-term care communities,” Jason recalls.

On the last day of the month, Jason visited an assisted living community and enrolled a gentleman resident in the UHC I-SNP Plan. A key advantage of the plan was that medical costs were covered at 100% for residents who had both Medicare and Medicaid. The plan also placed a full-time nurse practitioner in the community to make rounds every single day, whereas residents without an I-SNP plan might typically see a staff physician once a month.

“He decided to enroll, and his coverage went active on the first of the following month. That same day, he fell, hit his head, and was rushed to the hospital with a brain bleed. Once it stabilized, he was sent back to the community,” Jason shares.

This incident happened during COVID, when many facilities were understaffed and relied on travel nurses. The day after his accident, the staff making rounds assumed he was sleeping and left him be. Thankfully the nurse practitioner from his plan went in and did a sternum rub to check whether he was actually asleep or unresponsive. The gentleman was unresponsive and still bleeding. Enrolling in the I-SNP plan and having access to that nurse practitioner saved his life.

“That’s why I do this. Health insurance decisions can be life-or-death, and the wrong coverage can wipe out everything a family has built,” he says.

Elderly man and woman looking at a laptop
STL Medicare Benefits can help provide answers about Medicare coverage for people age 65 or anyone who will soon turn 65. Photo credit: Stock image via Unsplash.

Providing expertise and clarity

“I love demystifying something that scares people, making sure they understand exactly what they’re getting, and helping them make the right call for themselves and the people they love,” Jason shares.

A common misconception with health insurance is that once you’re covered, you’re always covered, but that isn’t always the case. Because the industry changes annually, particularly Medicare since carriers can change offerings and policies without disclosing the exact changes to the policy holders, unfortunately an insured person won’t realize that their plan has changed or that something previously covered by their plan is no longer covered until they’re at a doctor visit. 

“Many times Medicare providers will send out information about changes that could be coming to the policy, but the specific policy changes aren’t noted in those mailings,” Jason explains.  

With the possibility of changes and information coming from providers that isn’t always explained, it’s more important than ever for consumers to be proactive, rather than reactive. One of the best ways to be proactive is to ensure you’re working with a knowledgeable insurance agent that will go over any potential policy issues or changes before they go into effect. 

“The changes can also occur if you’re under 65 and on an ACA plan, even if you haven’t made changes yourself and haven’t changed your carrier,” he says. 

It’s important for people to make time to speak with an agent during their policy’s Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) which typically happens each fall, or when they’ve experienced a qualifying life change. But even if you’re already insured, you can always reach out to the helpful staff at STL Medicare Benefits to make sure you’re getting the most cost-effective coverage for your needs.

A leading advantage

Being a part of a shifting industry can be a challenge for insurance agents as well, but one way Jason stays at the forefront in a changing industry is by maintaining good relationships with carriers. Forming these partnerships means he’s able to receive insights about shifts coming to the industry early on.  

Additionally, Jason maintains his leading position through continuing education by attending the required trainings and license renewals needed for the industry, as well as by meeting with other agents in the industry to stay up to date on industry trends and more.

Jason has around 20 independent insurance agents who work under the umbrella of the Muehl Group, which is a way for the agents to have their own business. The Muehl Group is always on the lookout for self-starters who are ready to be their own boss and make an impact in the insurance industry. 

Close up photo of pregnant woman placing hands around her belly
Let an expert advisor with STL Medicare Benefits find the best coverage for your family. Photo credit: Stock image via Unsplash.

Although plenty of people have the desire to work for themselves, not everyone has the drive to succeed, or the disposition to not only work with clients, but to exceed expectations in a service-based industry. With nearly a decade in the industry, Jason has the experience to help people based on their unique circumstances and needs, in a variety of geographic locations. He is licensed in multiple states, including Missouri, Illinois, and Kentucky, as well as in other parts of the country.

If you or someone you know wants to explore healthcare insurance options, or has questions about Medicare or ACA plans, reach out to STL Medicare Benefits for a free consultation at 314-673-1469, follow the company on Facebook, or visit the website to learn more.