Sharing favorite Fourth traditions

Eudora residents tell us their favorite Fourth of July traditions as they prepare for the holiday. 

Kevin Donaldson and his son, Jacob, enjoy a block party with their neighbors. 

“A lot of food, a lot of drinks, a lot of fireworks and a lot of good times,” Kevin Donaldson said. “We always need to get more [fireworks]. It seems like we buy fireworks every two or three days.”

 

Brandi Hawkins checks people out at the Grand Slam firework stand. The stand benefits the Eudora Amateur Baseball and Softball Association to help maintain fields, batting cages and youth summer teams.

Her favorite Fourth tradition is watching fireworks with her family.

 

John Schulz helps run the Knights of Columbus firework stand to fundraise for their organization. The stand will be open until they sell out tomorrow.

“Favorite thing is barbecuing with the family and having the kids set fireworks off,” Schulz said.

Malia and Ethan Dietz shop for fireworks before their family gathering to celebrate.

“My favorite tradition would be having all the family come over on my mom’s side, and we have a big bonfire and barbecue with all my cousins,” Malia Dietz said. 

Ethan Dietz said his favorite part is lighting lanterns every year. 

“It’s just beautiful,” he said.

Mike Karl and his grandkids pick out fireworks together at the Grand Slam firework stand. 

“Being with my family, what else? Fireworks, barbecues, baseball, it’s the only way to go,” Karl said. 

Brantley Moeckel and Taryn Marquez said the best part of the Fourth is setting off fireworks.

“That’s probably the best part,” Moeckel said.