Joomla Login LightBox powered by WowJoomla.com

Possibly the only thing missing for America’s birthday celebration in Kearney is apple pie.

On Friday, July 3, the city will offer live classic rock music, children’s activities, tailgating, camping and free watermelon before a fireworks show.

Kearney traditionally celebrates Independence Day a day early with events at Jesse James Park. Festivities will begin at 7:30 p.m. with 4th Stage, a Boston tribute band, at the Kearney Amphitheater.

“It’s high energy, but it’s also very melodic,” Bill Bishop, lead singer, said about the music.

Bishop said Boston was his favorite band since it formed in the 1970s.

“I decided that was the fulcrum of my musical career,” Bishop said.

He said the music is good “party” music intertwined with love songs and classic rock. Bishop promised to conjure fond memories in fellow Boston fans.

“We’ve got the look; we’ve got the sound,” Bishop said.

Last year’s musical entertainment was an a cappella group followed by a USO tribute band.

“We just want to keep it fresh every year,” said Ryan Marcotte, the city’s recreation coordinator.

Concessions will be available at a cost, but watermelon off the back of a truck will be free to everyone.

“That’s always a big draw,” Marcotte said.

There will also be inflatables for children to play on in addition to the park’s permanent playground equipment.

Marcotte suggested people show up to the park on Missouri Highway 33 on the north edge of Kearney early for several reasons.

“Just to avoid getting stuck on 33 Highway while the fireworks are going off,” Marcotte said.

He and other city officials said that every year there is a traffic jam just before the fireworks start.

Getting there early also means getting a good spot. Last year about 6,000 people attended, Marcotte guessed. The park was packed with many people grilling food or sitting in large groups picnicking with family and friends. Outside food and drink is not allowed in the amphitheater area, however, Marcotte said.

Camping is also available for RVs at designated spots. For more information or to reserve a spot, call the city at 628-4142.

The fireworks, which can be viewed looking northeast, will begin about 9:30 p.m.

FIREWOKS REGULATIONS

Fireworks regulations in Kearney

- Bottle rockets are banned.

- Fireworks can be sold 9 a.m. to midnight June 20 to July 5.

- Fireworks can be discharged 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. June 28 to July 3; 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. July 4.

- Fireworks can be used only on private property.

Source: Kearney Fire Chief Larry Pratt

Fireworks regulations in Holt

- Bottle rockets are banned

- Fireworks can be sold 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. June 20 to July 3, and 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. July 4.

- Fireworks can be discharged 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. June 20 to July 3, and 10 a.m. to midnight July 4.

Source: City of Holt

Fireworks regulations in rural Clay County

- There are no banned fireworks.

- Fireworks may be sold in rural areas as state law allows.

- Fireworks may be used in rural areas as state law allows.

- Fireworks banned by the state include “ground salutes” commonly known as cherry bombs, M-80s, M-100s, M-1000s or other fireworks designated with an “M” prefix with explosive composition that exceeds the limits for consumer fireworks.

- Fireworks cannot be used in parks.

Sources: Kearney Fire Chief Larry Pratt, Clay County, Missouri Division of Fire Safety

Fireworks safety tips

- Spectators should stay a safe distance away.

- No one younger than 12 should hold a sparkler.

- Safety glasses should be worn while igniting fireworks.

- Have a water supply handy.

- Follow the directions, and use fireworks the way they were designed.

- Use common sense.

- Alcohol and fireworks don’t mix.

Kearney Editor Kevin M. Smith can be reached at 628-6010 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Comments (0)

Subscribe to this comment's feed