Parades and fireworks shows highlight Fourth of July celebrations across northeast Kansas

TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – Northeast Kansas residents will roll out the red-white-and-blue and light up the night sky as they celebrate Independence Day starting this weekend.

Here is a listing of Fourth of July-related activities and events scheduled for Topeka and northeast Kansas:

WEDNESDAY, JULY 3, 2024

• Fireworks show, 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 3, Santa Fe Park, 1368 N.E. Division St. in Topeka. Those attending are asked to bring their own lawn chairs.

THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2024

• Spirit of Kansas celebration on Thursday, July 4, at Lake Shawnee, just east of Topeka. The event will include a car show starting at 9 a.m.; a golf tournament starting at 10 a.m.; the Spirit of Kansas Blues Festival starting at 11 a.m.; food and craft vendors from 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.; a water-ski show from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m.; and the Capitol Federal Fireworks Display at 10 p.m. Fore more information, click here.
• Wamego Celebrate Freedom events on Thursday, July 4, including the Walter P. Chrysler Car Show from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; an Antique Tractor Show from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; the Lincoln Avenue Food Court from 1 to 9 p.m.; a carnival in City Park from 3 to 10 p.m.; “Boomtown — Behind the Fence” from 3 to 3:30 p.m.; Fourth of July Parade from 6to 7 p.m.; free concert at 7:30 p.m.; and fireworks from 10 to 10:35 p.m. at the Rec Complex. For more information, click here.
• Independence Day Celebration at Grace Episcopal Cathedral, 701 S.W. 8th Ave. in Topeka. The program will feature music, scripture for the day and two speakers — the Very Rev. Torey Lightcap, dean of the Cathedral; and Evelyn Z. Wilson, Kansas Supreme Court Justice.
• City of Emporia’s Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration at Welch Stadium located on Emporia State University’s campus, located at 1 Kellogg Cir. in Emporia, KS. Doors open at 7 p.m., Emporia Municipal Band will perform at 8 p.m., and the fireworks display starts between 9:45 p.m. and 10 p.m., lasting about 20-30 minutes. Tailgating is allowed in EDU parking lots starting at 7 p.m. Alcohol, glass containers and personal fireworks are prohibited.
• Boswell Park Fourth of July Parade, 10 a.m. Thursday, July 4, in Topeka, starting near S.W. 13th Street and Jewell Avenue.
• Potwin Fourth of July Parade, 10 a.m. Thursday, July 4, in Topeka, starting near S.W. 3rd Street and Greenwood Avenue.
• Collins Park Fourth of July Parade, 11 a.m. Thursday, July 4, in Topeka, starting near S.W. 15th Street and Collins Avenue.

FIREWORK ORDINANCES

Shawnee County Fireworks Ordinances

• Fireworks can be discharged from 8 a.m. June 27 to 11:59 p.m. on July 4
• Sales begin June 27 to July 4.

Topeka Fireworks Ordinance

• Fireworks can be discharged from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. on July 3 and from 10 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. on July 4.
• Sales begin June 29 to July 4.
• Prohibited to discharge fireworks within 500 feet of the VA Medical Center at 2200 SW Gage Blvd.
• A person under the age of 18 must be under adult supervision to discharge fireworks.
• It is unlawful for any person to possess, transport, or ignite a metal sparkler with the City of Topeka.

Emporia Fireworks Ordinances

• Only class C fireworks may be discharged in the City of Emporia between June 27 and July 5 from the hours of 10:00 am to 10:00 pm. On July 3rd and 4th fireworks may be discharged between the hours of 10:00 am and 11:00 pm.
• The discharge of fireworks is prohibited on streets, city parks, city parking lots, state, federal, county, or city owned property.
• No fireworks shall be discharged within 200 feet of the property line of any hospital or nursing home.
• Discharge of fireworks prohibited by this ordinance within the corporate city limits of Emporia, are subject to being fined from $100 to $500 and the confiscation of said fireworks.

Manhattan Fireworks Ordinances

• Discharge is allowed 8 a.m. to midnight July 1 through July 4.
• Sales are allowed starting July 1 at noon through midnight July 4.

Riley County Fireworks Ordinances

• Discharge of fireworks may begin at 8 a.m. and must end by midnight (12 a.m.) in the unincorporated areas of Riley County. Be aware, each City has their own regulations. Visit the city website or contact city offices for more information.

Holton Fireworks Ordinances

• Discharge allowed 8 am to 11 pm June 27-30, 8 am to midnight July 1-4

If your group is sponsoring a community Fourth of July celebration, send information including time, date, place, address and any costs to [email protected] and include “Fourth of July events” in the subject line.

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