This Kansas fireworks display is among the best in the US, according to national list
Atchison keeps winning accolades for its celebrations of famed aviator Amelia Earhart.
Months after the Kansas town’s new museum, the Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum, was named the fourth best new museum to visit in 2024 by USA Today, another local celebration has been recognized.
The “Concert in the Sky” fireworks show at the Amelia Earhart Festival was voted by USA Today readers the third best place to travel and see fireworks in the United States.
“One of the most popular attractions at this weekend fest is the Concert in the Sky fireworks show,” USA Today said on its blog. “Be sure to arrive early to enjoy the entertainment before the big event, which includes live music and stunt pilots flying above the Missouri River.”
The Amelia Earhart Festival is July 19-20 with the “Concert in the Sky” fireworks show on Saturday, July 20, beginning around 9:30 p.m. Before the show, an aviation aerobatics performance takes place at 7:30 p.m. Both events are hosted Riverfront Park, and they are free to the public.
The fireworks are put on by Wichita-based Stellar Fireworks, which also puts on pyrotechnic displays all over the country.
A concert with Nashville-based headliner Diamond Rio and featuring Meghan Patrick takes place July 19 at Riverfront Park, and tickets cost $20.
The festival is tied to Earhart’s birthday on July 24, drawing thousands of people from across the country to Atchison. The first festival happened on 1997, on Earhart’s 100th birthday.
The No. 1 fireworks display named by USA Today was the Navy Pier in Chicago. The Fair St. Louis in Missouri was named the ninth best on the list.
Atchison is an hour away from downtown Kansas City in northeastern Kansas.
This story was originally published May 26, 2024 at 6:00 AM.
