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Tonganoxie residents gear up for fireworks; area communities offering displays

By Shawn Linenberger - | Jun 29, 2016

Tonganoxie always is bustling with fireworks around Independence Day each year.

Several fireworks stands dot the community for local residents to purchase supplies for their own personal fireworks shows.

Fireworks can be lit from 8 a.m.-11 p.m. June 30-July 4, which this year is Thursday through Monday.

City ordinance allows for those times to change based on the fire chief’s discretion.

Tonganoxie Fire Chief Jack Holcom said Monday forecasts are encouraging, as there are chances for rain Wednesday and Thursday.

He said any sort of fireworks ban because of dry conditions seemed unlikely at this point, but he did warn of using fireworks responsibly.

“Be cautious with use of any fireworks or open flames because of the hot, dry conditions this time of year,” Holcom said. “Have adult supervision with you and use care not to harm anyone or yourself.”

He also urged those using fireworks to read labels on fireworks before lighting them.

Though Tonganoxie doesn’t have its own community fireworks display, folks generally can see residents’ fireworks lighting up the sky.

For those who would like to see citywide fireworks displays, there are opportunities in neighboring communities.

Here’s a look at some of those events:

Basehor

The Booming with Pride Independence Day Celebration will get started at 9 p.m. Monday at Basehor-Linwood High School, 155th Street and Parallel Street.

A color guard’s 21-gun salute will open festivities, followed by the National Anthem.

A fireworks display is set to start at 9:15 p.m. The city of Basehor and several businesses and organization are sponsoring the event, though donations at the fireworks display also are welcome to help continue the annual tradition.

Rain date for the event is Tuesday.

Eudora

This year’s community fireworks display will start about 9 p.m. Monday near Eudora Middle School at 2635 Church St., Eudora.

For more information, contact the Eudora Parks and Recreation Department at 542-3434.

Fort Leavenworth

The Fort Leavenworth community July 4 celebration begins at 4 p.m. at Merritt Lake.

There will be food, games and activities. Visitors are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs. The classic rock band Rock Machine will perform at 5:30 p.m. The Salute to the Union is at 8:30 p.m., followed by the fireworks display at dusk.

All visitors to Fort Leavenworth’s Independence Day celebration can enter through the main gate at Grant Avenue beginning at 3 p.m. Security checks will be conducted there. Drivers must have a valid license, registration and

proof of insurance and all passengers must have a driver’s license or other form of government photo ID. Visitors from Missouri or another state not compliant with the REAL ID Act of 2005 must provide valid supplemental documentation to enter the post.

Parking is available across Grant Avenue from Merritt Lake off Reynolds Avenue, Gruber Fitness Center and old Bell Hall parking lots. Accessible parking is available in the Post Theater parking lot off Grant Avenue.

Visitors are reminded that all fireworks are prohibited on Fort Leavenworth.

Following the fireworks display all three gates — Grant, Sherman and Hancock — will be open for visitors to exit.

Lawrence

Though most fireworks are prohibited inside the Lawrence city limits, there will be a city fireworks display as part of the Kaw-Boom Festival on Monday in Burcham Park.

The festival will run from 4-11 p.m. at the park in north Lawrence.

Food trucks and vendors will be on scene, while Free State and other beers will be available for purchase. Tyler Gregory, Old Fangled, Automatic Wolf, Signal Ridge and DJ Proof will provide musical entertainment. There also will be children’s activities.

The public fireworks display will start about 9:45 p.m. on the river levee in north Lawrence. Public parking and a shuttle ride to Burcham Park is available in downtown Lawrence on Monday — meters and parking garages are free on the Independence Day holiday.

Pets, as well as outside food, beverages and coolers are not allowed. Organizers encourage visitors bring blankets, chairs, sunscreen and bug spray.

McLouth

McLouth’s Fourth of July Fireworks Display will begin at dark near the Stan Braksick Sports Complex in the northwest corner of the city. The best viewing area for the display will be from the complex’s main bleachers, looking east toward Rose Park.

No personal fireworks will be allowed. Enjoy an evening of family fun sponsored by McLouth Recreation Commission, city of McLouth and the McLouth City Fire Department.