4th of July Celebrations

INDEPENDENCE

Independence city officials are prepping for a white, blue and red hot evening of music and fireworks at the annual Independence Day celebration. 

The ninth annual Independence Day Celebration is Friday at the Mormon Visitors Center, 937 W. Walnut. It will include a fireworks display and patriotic music by the Spirit of Independence Band, which will play starting at 8:30 p.m. and continuing during the fireworks display, which begins at 9:30 p.m.

The celebration is sponsored by the city, the Mormon Visitors Center and Truman Presidential Library & Museum.

Citizens are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs for the lawn viewing area. Families may also bring food and beverages for the lawn viewing area. No alcohol, open flames or personal fireworks will be allowed. Portable toilets and trash bins are available. Parking is limited. 

In the event of inclement weather, a rain date will be announced.

 
INDEPENDENCE SQUARE ASSOCIATION

Kids parade begins at 10 a.m. beginning at 23rd and Main streets and led by a motorcycle escort. Kids, some patriotically dressed, some with decorated bikes, make their way to the Square, stopping in front of the Truman statue. State Rep. Paul LeVota will read the Declaration of Independence.

 BLUE SPRINGS

It is that time of year again and Blue Springs is preparing for its annual fireworks extravaganza.

Gates open for the annual celebration at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Peve Stadium, 2000 N.W. Ashton Drive. The event is free and open to the public. 

The Red, White and Blue Springs Fourth of July celebration will not only include the fireworks show, but also live music beginning at 8 p.m. The fireworks show is scheduled to begin at 9:30 p.m.

Although city officials strongly urge residents to attend one of the professional fireworks shows for safety purposes, Blue Springs is one of the cities that do allow certain fireworks to be used within city limits.

For this reason, the city of Blue Springs has started its “Be a Good Neighbor” fireworks education campaign. The goal of the campaign is to build citizen awareness for fireworks safety and to educate the public about the city rules and regulations regarding fireworks.

Fireworks are legally permitted within the Blue Springs city limits from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Thursday and from 10 a.m. to midnight on Friday.

The Blue Springs Police Department will have increased street patrol and law enforcement during these times to make sure community members comply with regulations.

 
SUGAR CREEK

One of the longest-standing parades around will kick off Sugar Creek’s Fourth of July celebration Friday.

“We’re going on more than 30 years,” Sugar Creek Parks and Recreation Director Sue Mikula said.

The parade will begin at 11 a.m. at Sterling and Lexington and move north on Sterling. The parade will include the Shriners, who will pose as clowns and drive motorcycles and go-carts, as well as vintage cars and floats from community members.

Fabulous Freddy and the Doo Wops, led by Sugar Creek resident Bill Haman, will take the stage at 8 p.m. at the Mike Onka Memorial Building. The band, which will perform hits from the 1950s and 1960s, will play until about 9:15 p.m. and hold an encore shortly after the fireworks display, which is set to get under way at dusk, or about 9:30 p.m. The fireworks will last about 30 to 35 minutes.

Food and refreshments will be provided by the St. Cyril Youth Group with all proceeds benefiting church activities.

There is no cost to attend.

There will be a shuttle service running from 6 p.m. until the last song from Fabulous Freddy and the Doo Wops. Shuttle parking will be available at Sterling and Evans.

The rain-out date for the fireworks display is Saturday, though there would not be a concert.

 
MISSOURI TOWN 1855

Missouri Town will have Independence Day activities from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The day will feature period music, a reading of the Bill of Rights, a parade, a watermelon seed spitting contest and children’s activities.

“It’s traditionally a very good event for the community,” Gordon Julich, superintendent of Historic Sites, said.

Activities cost $5 for adults, $3 for youth and seniors, and free for children younger than 5.

 
FORT OSAGE

Fort Osage will host Independence Day activities from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Activities for the day will consist of celebrating the 36th anniversary of our Independence with civilians and military of 1812. There will be a firing of cannons, muskets and military drills.

Activities cost $7 for adults, $4 for youth and $3 for seniors.

 
LAKEWOOD

The Lakewood Homeowners Association will hold its annual display on the dam of the lake starting around 9:30 p.m. Lakewood Drive will be closed to traffic during the display.

 
LEE'S SUMMIT

In Lee’s Summit, life is a carnival.

On the Fourth of July, anyway.

“I promise it’s a lot of fun,” said Cheryl Martin, event coordinator for Lee’s Summit Parks and Recreation.

Three separate venues at Legacy Park, located off N.E. Legacy Park Drive, will offer entertainment, food and refreshments beginning at 6 p.m.

Activities will include inflatables, face painting, stilt walkers, jugglers and balloon artists with concessions provided by Sheridan’s, the Kiwanis Club of Lee’s Summit and others.

Whether at the softball, baseball or soccer venue, Martin said you’re assured a good seat.

“The fireworks should be easily viewed at each location,” Martin said.

The display will begin at approximately 9:30 p.m. and last about 25 minutes.

The radio station 94.9 KCMO will pipe music synchronized to the fireworks.

The gate leading to the park will close at 9 p.m. No grills or alcohol will be permitted.

The event is free to the public.
 

LAKE TAPAWINGO

The boat parade, at 2 p.m. Friday, begins in the Clipper Cove; fireworks are at dusk. The dam is closed to traffic all day, and the event is only for residents and their guests.

 
LAKE LOTAWANA

Fireworks are at 9:45 p.m., shot off the top of the dam. There’s also a dock-decorating contest. All events are only opened to residents and guests. The rain date is July 5.

 
OAK GROVE

A free, opened-to-the-public fireworks display will begin at 10 p.m. Friday at Webb Park, Oakridge Drive and 19th Street. The event is sponsored by the Oak Grove Chamber of Commerce and the city.

 
BUCKNER

Buckner held its Fireworks in the Park last Saturday.

 
GRAIN VALLEY

No events