Tiny Mississippi town’s huge July 4 may be fizzling out
LENA, Miss. (AP) – For nearly 40 years, the tiny town of Lena has hosted a Fourth of July celebration that brought thousands of visitors. But this year’s may be the last.
The Rev. James Milner started the festival at Lena United Methodist Church 39 years ago. It now brings in 4,000 to 5,000 visitors each year for an antique car show, music festival, contests, and fireworks. The town of about 150 is spending $11,000 on this year’s fireworks.
But people tell The Clarion-Ledger that the number of volunteers is dwindling, and there may not be money for a show next year in Lena, about 40 miles from Jackson.
The mayor and Board of Aldermen hope to save the event by setting up an auxiliary fund through which the city can apply for grants and accept donations for Lena Day.
