COVID-19 cancels many Kansas City area July 4 fireworks and celebrations, but not all
Update: For the latest on which fireworks shows are canceled and which are still on, click on this new story.
The Kansas City area may be slowly reopening from COVID-19 orders, but a growing number of officials across the region are shutting down the Fourth of July.
They’ve canceled Independence Day parades, celebrations and fireworks displays, saying the events would further the spread of the coronavirus.
Kansas City called off KCRiverFest, which was expected to draw thousands of people to Berkley Riverfront Park for its 15th year.
“Yes, patriotism is important. Especially now, as we each feel isolated and many of us alone,” organizers said in a statement. “Patriotism is diligently working and striving for a better, healthier, more substantial tomorrow. Additionally, we are reminded that while freedom may offer us the right to do as we please, it also provides us the opportunity to stand up and to do what is right.”
Other cities to cancel fireworks and celebrations include Leawood, Fairway, Roeland Park and Shawnee on the Kansas side and Blue Springs, Independence, Lee’s Summit and Liberty in Missouri.
“I know residents are disappointed by the decision. Frankly, I’m disappointed by the decision,” said Roeland Park Mayor Mike Kelly. “But at the end of the day, we have to do our part to flatten the curve and get us back to a place where we feel comfortable participating in events.”
Like with most other decisions made during the pandemic, residents are split. Some have argued that canceling the events means they are being stripped of their freedoms, or at least their right to honor those who have defended them.
“You guys are truly sad to willingly give away the freedoms paid for by the blood of my family and the families of all who gave the ultimate sacrifice,” resident Kenneth Kaiser said of KCRiverFest being canceled. His father and son are both veterans, he said.
But others have urged city leaders to cancel celebrations, arguing it is not worth the public health risk or city funding as municipalities make budget cuts.
“Holding a huge crowd gathering during an pandemic would have been irresponsible. I applaud your courage to cancel this event, despite the negative comments from some people!” resident Maggie Waggoner commented on Facebook about KCRiverFest.
Some cities have settled for something in between. Lenexa, for example, decided that instead of holding its annual Freedom Run, residents are encouraged to participate in a virtual race from any location, or even at home on a treadmill. They can then post their race times online.
And rather than holding the Hometown Parade in Old Town, Lenexa is asking residents and businesses to decorate their porches and front lawns to participate in a “porch parade.” A panel of judges will select the best look. The theme, city leaders said, is “There’s no place like home.”
Here is a sampling of what to expect from area July 4 events:
Events still on, for now
▪ Overland Park: City leaders said they are still considering whether to hold the July 4 celebration in Corporate Woods. Councilman Logan Heley said the city is considering shooting off fireworks, but might not allow vendors, tents or activities.
▪ Olathe: The city will hold its fireworks show at the College Boulevard Activity Center at 9:45 p.m. on July 4.
▪ Merriam: The city’s Flags 4 Freedom event is canceled, which featured the placing of more than 1,500 American flags at the Merriam Marketplace and Irene B. French Community Center. The city plans to instead post flags along Johnson Drive from Interstate 35 to west of city limits, and in other areas around the city.
▪ Prairie Village: The city is planning an alternative way to hold the annual VillageFest, in a virtual and drive-thru format, officials said. Details should be announced in the coming days.
▪ Gardner: The city has canceled all aspects of its July 4 celebration except for the fireworks display at Gardner Park.
▪ Lenexa: The city will hold virtual or socially distanced versions of its Freedom Run and Hometown Parade in Old Town. Race participants can run anywhere in the city and post their run times. Instead of the usual parade, residents are asked to decorate their porches.
▪ Greenwood: Freedom Fest, planned for June 27, has been canceled. But the fireworks show at Hitt Park will go on. Hitt Park will be closed to the public, though, and the city has yet to announce the plan for how residents should view the fireworks.
▪ Weston: The July 4 celebration at Weston City Park is on hold, officials said. Aldermen are still considering whether public events will be allowed.
Events canceled
▪ KC RiverFest: The fireworks show over the Missouri River at Berkley Riverfront Park.
▪ Independence: Independence Day Fireworks Show, previously scheduled for July 3.
▪ Blue Springs: Red, White and Blue Springs Fireworks Show.
▪ Lee’s Summit: The Legacy Blast fireworks display, previously scheduled for July 2 at Legacy Park.
▪ Liberty: Liberty Fest event and fireworks show.
▪ Leawood: The Leawood City Council voted to cancel its Fourth of July fireworks show.
▪ Roeland Park, Fairway and Westwood: The annual fireworks display held at Bishop Miege High School, St. Agnes Catholic Church and St. Agnes Catholic school.
▪ Shawnee: The Parked! event, which typically includes music, food trucks and fireworks.
This story was originally published June 9, 2020 at 5:00 AM.
