By Kristina Light
America turns 250 this year, and the community is celebrating with a bang. From a small-town parade in Stilwell to the city’s official celebration at the National WWI Museum, there is
something for everyone within a short drive. Most events are free.
July 3
Red, White and Bluhawk
Overland Park, Bluhawk, 7951 W 160th St (US 69 and 159th Street)
5 pm to 10 pm | Fireworks approximately 9:45 pm
Bluhawk.com
Bluhawk’s Fourth of July bash pairs patriotic fun with a World Cup watch party. The pre-party
at AdventHealth Sports Park (5 to 9:30 pm) offers bubble soccer, arcade games, and indoor
skating. At 7 pm, The Marketplace hosts live music, six food trucks and the FIFA match on
outdoor screens before fireworks at 9:45 pm. Shawnee Drive is closed through Sept 11; use
Sports Park parking and designated lots only. Rideshare drop-off at Grace Church, 8500 W 159th
St at Antioch. Pets are not permitted. Free; registration required.
Spirit of America Celebration and World Cup Watch Party
Raymore – Recreation Park, 1011 S Madison St
7 pm | Fireworks after dusk
Raymore.com/residents/an-all-american-250
Raymore’s annual celebration doubles as a FIFA World Cup watch party. Live music from
Walker Mathison’s Ranahan Duo, food trucks and inflatables lead into the match on the big
screen at Baseball Field No 4 at 8:30 pm. Fireworks follow at dusk. Outside food and drink welcome.
July 4
Stars and Stripes Picnic
Kansas City National WWI Museum and Memorial / Penn Valley Park, 2 Memorial Dr
Vendors open 3 pm | Performances 6:45 pm | Fireworks 9:40 pm
TheWorldWar.org/stars-and-stripes-picnic
Kansas City’s official Independence Day celebration offers two ways to enjoy the evening. Penn
Valley Park (no pass required) is a relaxed bring-your-own picnic. The FIFA Fan Festival (free
pass required, subject to capacity) puts guests close to live performances by Lost Wax and DJ
Ashton Martin. Both share the 9:40 pm fireworks show. No parking on the grounds; enter Penn
Valley Park from the south. Grills and heating elements are not permitted in Penn Valley Park.
Outside food and drink are not permitted inside the Fan Festival.
Independence Day Celebration in the Park
Leawood Leawood City Park, 10601 Lee Blvd
6 pm | Fireworks 9:45 pm
Leawood.org/558/Independence-Day-Celebration-in-the-Park
Carnival rides, live music by Flashback (6:30 pm) and food trucks make for a full evening.
Fireworks synchronize to music via the free Pyrocast app; enter code 9DCQ before the show to
enjoy the music. Park free at Leawood City Hall, 4800 Town Center Drive, or American
Academy of Family Physicians, 11400 Tomahawk Creek Parkway, with free shuttles from noon.
Rideshare drop-off at 105th and Lee Blvd. Alcohol, grills and personal fireworks are not
permitted.
Star Spangled Spectacular
Overland Park Corporate Woods Founders’ Park, 9711 W 109th St
5 pm | Fireworks approximately 9:55 pm
VisitOverlandPark.com/events/annual-events/star-spangled-spectacular
Enjoy live music by Emma Jo (5 pm), Flat Susans (6 pm), Stolen Winnebagos (7 pm) and
Summer Breeze (8:15 pm), capped by David Williamson performing the National Anthem
before a 25-minute fireworks finale. Food trucks on site. Free parking in any Corporate Woods
lot; bring blankets, chairs, coolers, and food. Alcohol and pop-up tents are not permitted.
Leashed dogs are welcome. Rain date July 5 at 10 pm.
Fourth of July Parade and Celebration
Stilwell, KS | Parade: 192nd St, south on Metcalf, east on 199th St to the railroad tracks
Fireworks at Evergy Service Center, 19950 Newton St (Hwy 69 and 199th St)
Parade 6 pm | Live music 7 pm | Fireworks 9:30 pm
StilwellCommunity.org/fourth-of-July
Stilwell’s beloved 53rd annual celebration features a parade themed “250 Years of Courage,
Community, and Country,” followed by Pompous Jack at the Stilwell Station Stage and a 250-
shell fireworks finale. Personal fireworks are not permitted. After the show, 199th Street between
Metcalf and Hwy 69 is westbound only.
A Very Peculiar Independence Day
Lions Park, 98 W Fourth St, Peculiar, MO
Noon | Fireworks at dusk
CityOfPeculiar.com/38763/a-very-peculiar-independence-day
Peculiar’s all-day party features live music, food trucks, and vendors, closing with fireworks at
dusk.
Author
Discover more from Martin City Telegraph
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.