Peter Grassl, Heather Zwiener and John More will participate in an educational program about the American Revolution and the Declaration of Independence on the Fourth of July.
As Eudora plans for its biggest Fourth of July event yet, it’s also hoping to lay the groundwork to keep expanding for years to come.
The first Star Spangled Celebration will kick off at 6 p.m. July 4 at the high school.
Although the city has been putting on its own fireworks show for years, this year they’re partnering with the Convention and Visitors Bureau to bring new components to the events.
Live music will also be a new addition this year, with Fast Times, an ‘80s cover band, performing from 6 to 9 p.m.
There will be food trucks like Barbwire Barbecue, Main Street Scoops and Sweets, and KC Pops, as well as other concessions.
Parks and Rec will also have yard games like cornhole available at the event.
Fireworks will begin around dusk or about 9:30 p.m.
The CVB wanted to join forces with the city as a way to grow existing events in town, President Jason Musick said. It’s also a good place for families, he said.
Musick said the firework show is good, the traffic isn’t bad when coming and going, and the community spirit shows.
The plan is to further expand the event next year when the World Cup comes to town, he said.
In addition, residents can start the day out by hearing the Sons of the American Revolution host a program about the Revolution and Declaration of Independence at 11 a.m. July 4 at the CPA Park gazebo, said Peter Grassl of the Charles Robinson chapter. They will also do the program before the fireworks display around 9 p.m.
“We think it’s important because next year is the 250th birthday of the country, and we thought, ‘Lets start the birthday celebration now with the 249th celebration of the United States of America,” Grassl said.
Proven descendants of those who fought or supported the American Revolution will also recite portions of the Declaration of Independence and discuss the war’s connection to Eudora, he said. The event will also be in collaboration with the Betty Washington chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Grassl said they aim to make the event interesting while educating residents on how much the area has been influenced by the American Revolution.
John More said the organizations are hoping to do as many readings as they can before July 2026 to commemorate 250 years.
Daughters of the American Revolution member Heather Zwiener said they plan to make the event interactive by having members of the audience read passages from the document, as well.
As for residents wanting to set off their own fireworks, here are the city regulations:
A permit is needed to sell fireworks within city limits.
Fireworks may only be discharged between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. on July 1 and 2, and between 10 a.m. and 11:30 p.m. on July 3 and 4.
Bottle rockets are not allowed at any time in Eudora.
Fireworks can not be discharged on city property or 100 feet from any retail firework stand or facility where fireworks are stored.
Failure to follow regulations is punishable by a fine.
Assistant Fire Chief Chris Hull said Eudora is a fun and unique place to celebrate the Fourth, and while most are responsible, there are some things to remember to keep people safe.
Hull reminded people that fireworks are explosives, and that fireworks should not be lit by someone who is drinking.
Sparklers are a common cause for pediatric burns, so parents need to be careful allowing smaller kids to play with them, he said.
Once fireworks have been discharged or if they’re a dud, don’t attempt to relight them, he said. Having a bucket of water to soak used firework materials before throwing them away is also important to keep anything from catching fire, Hull said.
“We’re begging people to please stay out of the street, reminding people that the city ordinance prohibits launching fireworks in the street, and it’s an issue with obstructing emergency vehicles,” he said.
In past years, the department has had to wait to respond to calls about fires due to fireworks still going off in the streets, he said.
He said residents should feel free to call the department if something goes wrong or if they’re concerned.