Wichita canceled its fireworks display, but here’s 8 shows you can see nearby
While the city of Wichita decided to cancel its annual Independence Day fireworks show called Red, White and Boom back in May, Fourth of July fireworks shows are still happening in other area communities.
A number of cities have additional events planned for Independence Day. You can even watch one city’s parade from the comfort of your home through a live broadcast on YouTube.
In Winfield, organizers didn’t want to disappoint the community, so they created an event that still allows for a celebration but with social distancing in mind. The local Kiwanis group is selling drive-through dinners and a three-band concert will be broadcast by digital transmitter over an FM radio station before the culminating fireworks display.
“Usually it’s very much an in-person event, said city manager Taggart Wall.
Here’s a list of what’s happening in nearby area communities on Saturday, July 4, but be sure to check event pages and websites as activities are subject to change, depending on state and local guidelines.
Augusta: A fireworks show is set to begin around 9 p.m. at the community’s city lake.
Bel Aire: The city north of Wichita is billing its events as “40th on the 4th” in recognition of the city’s 40th anniversary. Starting at 7 p.m., participants can picnic on the lawn near city hall, 7651 E. Central Park Ave., play cornhole and other games and listen to music. For the 9:30 p.m. fireworks show, spectators are encouraged to park at the Wichita Northeast Magnet High School lot, 5550 N. Lycee St., in Bel Aire. More info: facebook.com/events/735896293615673
Derby: The city has three activities planned: a 10 a.m. parade sponsored by the Derby VFW Post 7253; a free 6 p.m. baseball game between Derby and Haysville city teams at Panther Field, Woodlawn Boulevard and Market Street; and a fireworks show at High Park, 2801 James St., starting around 9:30 p.m. Spectators can bring picnics to the park starting at 7 p.m. Also, the Derby Historical Museum, 208 N. Westview Drive, will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; free admission, donations suggested. More info: derbyks.com/475/July-4-in-Derby
El Dorado: (Activities have been canceled but the fireworks show is still scheduled. ) The city has free events planned from 5 to 10 p.m. at McDonald Stadium, 210 N. Griffith St., starting with kids games and a cornhole tournament from 5 to 6 p.m., a picnic from 6 to 7 p.m., a 7:30 p.m. baseball game, followed by a 9:30 p.m. fireworks show. More info: facebook.com/events/1417831965090937
Goddard: At dark, fireworks will be launched from the south end of the Genesis Sports Complex, 221 N. Crowne Drive, and “the show is designed to be viewed from most anyway in Goddard,” according to the event page. More info: facebook.com/events/301533460872044
Haysville: The day’s events start with an 8 a.m. parade at Haysville Middle School, 900 W. Grand, and ends at Haysville United Methodist Church, 601 E. Grand. Handouts of candy, trinkets or flyers will not be allowed, and organizers are encouraging social distancing for participants and spectators. The parade will be broadcast live on the city’s YouTube channel. Other activities include a co-ed sand volleyball tournament, a kids fishing derby, a car show, evening concert and a fireworks show. Earlier this week, the city eliminated a few other activities it had planned, including a hot dog feed and water-related activities at the pool. More info: facebook.com/events/988649251590536
Rose Hill: Allison Sounds will provide music starting at 8 p.m. at Shorty Cox Park, the ballfield east of Rose Hill Road on the south side town, with fireworks starting around dark. More info: rosehillrec.com or facebook.com/RoseHillRec
Winfield: The local Kiwanis is offering a drive-thru dinner at the Winfield Fairgrounds, 1105 W. 9th Ave., starting at 6:30 p.m. A 7 p.m. virtual concert, broadcast on 93.9FM, features Student Loans, Lough Brothers and Winfield City Band. The fireworks start at dark. More info: facebook.com/events/657832031467526
This story was originally published July 3, 2020 at 5:01 AM.