The Fourth is sparking excitement in Johnson County. Here’s where to find the fun

The Fourth of July is back in Johnson County.

Even last year, the coronavirus pandemic curtailed some traditional Fourth of July celebrations in Johnson County, but a full slate of mostly free activities is on tap this year. Here’s a rundown:

Overland Park

▪ July 4: Independence Day activities, including old-fashioned games and a bike parade, 9 a.m. to noon, at Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead, 13800 Switzer Road. Included with daily admission fee of $3 for anyone 3 and older. It’s free for kids 2 and under.

▪ July 4: Star-Spangled Spectacular in Founders Park, 9711 W. 109th St. in Corporate Woods near College Boulevard and Antioch Road. Park is open all day, but free entertainment begins at 6 p.m. with concerts by Mr. Stinky Feet, BIG SHOW Dueling Pianos (7 p.m.) and Nicole Springer (8:15 p.m.). Fireworks about 9:45 p.m.

Olathe

▪ July 2: Independence Day celebration, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm, 1200 E. Kansas City Road. Declaration of Independence read at noon and 2 p.m. followed by cannon fire, vintage baseball at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Cost is $7 for adults, $5 for children 5 to 11 and free for kids 4 and under. Olathe residents receive a $2 discount. The historic site will be closed July 4.

▪ July 4: Beach Fest, noon to 2:30 p.m. at Lake Olathe Swim Beach & Marina, 445 S. Ward Cliff Drive. Admission ($25 for Splash Pass members and $30 for others) includes a sack lunch, use of the Aqua Park, boat rentals, open swim and other family activities. Registration required.

▪ July 4: Free fireworks show, 9:45 p.m. at College Boulevard Activity Center, 11031 S. Valley Road.

Lenexa

▪ July 2: Paw-triotic Pet Parade, 9 a.m. to noon at Lenexa Public Market, 8750 Penrose Lane. Parade of pets and their people starts at 11, preceded by pet-related vendors, demonstrations and other activities..

▪ July 2: Free classical music by Lenexa Community Orchestra, 7 p.m. at Community Covenant Church, 15700 W. 87th St Parkway.

▪ July 4: Lenexa Freedom Run, 7 a.m. in Old Town Lenexa, surrounding Pflumm Road and Santa Fe Trail Drive.

▪ July 4: Community Days Parade, 10 a.m. in Old Town.

Leawood

▪ July 4: Families can enjoy a giant slide, inflatables, rock wall and trampoline from 6 to 9:30 p.m. at Leawood City Park, 10601 Lee Blvd. Vendors will sell food, and the Stolen Winnebagos will provide music from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Fireworks display begins around 9:45.

Northeast Johnson County

▪ July 3: The traditional free fireworks display returns at dusk to Bishop Miege High School, 5041 Reinhardt Drive. It’s provided by the cities of Fairway, Roeland Park and Westwood, as well as Bishop Miege and St. Agnes Parish.

▪ July 3: Leading up to the display the nearby Shawnee Indian Mission will host an Old Fashioned Summer Picnic with food, patriotic music and games as families wait for the fireworks to start. Bring chairs or blankets or reserve a table on the north lawn of the mission, 3403 W. 53rd St.

Prairie Village

▪ July 4: VillageFest starts early, with a $5 pancake breakfast from 7:30 to 11 a.m. at the Harmon Park Pavilion, off Delmar Street at 77th Place. To the north, at the municipal campus, kids can enjoy pony and carnival rides, bounce houses, face painting, a petting zoo and other free activities from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free swimming will be open at the nearby aquatic center from noon to 6 p.m.

Merriam

▪ July 2-9: At Flags 4 Freedom, rows of U.S flags are displayed in downtown Merriam and the surrounding area. Centered at Merriam Marketplace, 5740 Merriam Drive.

Gardner

▪ July 4: Several country artists will perform at Gardner’s free event, which begins at 3 p.m. in Celebration Park, 32501 W. 159th St., and concludes with fireworks at 10 p.m. Performance times are 3:30 p.m. for Big Time Grain Company, 5 p.m. for Blane Howard, 6:30 p.m. for After Midtown and 8:30 p.m. for Niko Moon. Games, inflatables and activities from 5 to 8 p.m.

De Soto

▪ July 4: City-sponsored celebration at Riverfest Park, 33440 W 79th St. Music starts at 7 p.m., along with vendors. Fireworks at 9:45 p.m.

Edgerton

▪ July 3: Community Picnic and Fireworks Show at Martin Creek Park, 20200 Sunflower Road. Picnic starts at 5:30 p.m. with free food and T-shirts for the first 500 people. Bounce houses and other free activities, with fireworks around 9:45.

Shawnee

▪ June 24: “Parked” is back after a two-year hiatus with nearly two dozen food trucks, music, local vendors, bounce houses and more. It starts at 5:30 p.m. in Stump Park, 4751 Woodland Drive, and concludes with fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Shuttle service to and from Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, 5500 Monticello Road.

This story was originally published June 22, 2022 at 5:00 AM with the headline "The Fourth is sparking excitement in Johnson County. Here’s where to find the fun."