After strong attendance at Emporia’s America 250 activities Friday, more is coming Saturday night to celebrate America’s big anniversary.
Initially, the goal was to have at least 50 floats and other entries involved in the parade. Earlier in the week, the word was the field would be capped at close to 70 entries. Actually, nearly 80 entries were the feature in a parade in downtown Emporia that lasted around 45 minutes. Residents lined up in droves to see the entries — and they lined up to enjoy the activities at the All-America Cookout taking place at the Lyon County Fairgrounds, including free hot dogs and hamburgers, music from the Emporia Municipal Band, kids’ options, photo opportunities and more.
The Veterans Legacy Fund, a group that spun out of a successful effort to bring The Wall That Heals to Emporia last year, publicly mentioned the idea less than 3 months ago. Member Clay Childs was pleasantly surprised by the turnout, saying it became a much bigger event than he initially thought.
Veteran Ron Whitney says there was a lot of work behind the scenes to make things seamless Friday.
Whitney says it was gratifying to see the turnout and the interest, especially when connected to his time serving in the Vietnam War.
Veteran Ed Rathke called the scene at the cookout “absolutely wonderful.” He mentioned a special display of every state flag as important to the overall celebration.
Childs thanked the community for its support for Friday’s events, whether through volunteers, veterans groups or local businesses.
Rathke says an Independence Day parade may not become an annual event, but…
Holiday activities locally are on pause now until Emporia’s annual fireworks show Saturday night. The show is tentatively set to begin at 9:40 pm. The show is also set to take place despite chances of showers and storms, including a slight severe weather risk for wind and hail. Full contingency plans will be announced Saturday morning.
If you plan to attend Emporia’s fireworks show in person, tailgating begins at 7 pm in ESU parking lots. Alcohol and personal fireworks are not allowed on campus. The Welch Stadium gates will open at 8:30 pm on the west side. Attendees are reminded chairs of any kind, sunflower seeds and gum are not allowed, either on Jones Field or Witten Track. The soccer pitch will be closed, but the practice fields near the ESU Student Recreation Center will be available. Parking is available across the campus, with the lots across Highland Street from the Art Annex being used for handicapped parking and fireworks viewing.
Lyon County Undersheriff John Koelsch reminds drivers and pedestrians they cannot stop on Interstate 35 or Kansas Highway 99, either to park or stand, while the fireworks display is ongoing.
Click here for KVOE’s YouTube channel, including YouTube Short videos from Friday’s events.
1 pm Friday:
Big turnouts highlighted Emporia’s America 250 activities Friday.
Nearly 70 entries were the feature in a parade in downtown Emporia. Residents lined up in droves to see the entries.
Residents also lined up to enjoy the activities, including free hot dogs and hamburgers, music from the Emporia Municipal Band, kids’ options, photo opportunities and more at the All-America Cookout taking place at the Lyon County Fairgrounds.
Holiday activities locally are on pause now until Emporia’s annual fireworks show Saturday night. The show is tentatively set to begin at 9:40 pm.
If you plan to attend in person, tailgating begins at 7 pm in ESU parking lots. Alcohol and personal fireworks are not allowed on campus. The Welch Stadium gates will open at 8:30 pm on the west side. Attendees are reminded chairs of any kind, sunflower seeds and gum are not allowed, either on Jones Field or Witten Track. The soccer pitch will be closed, but the practice fields near the ESU Student Recreation Center will be available. Parking is available across the campus, with the lots across Highland Street from the Art Annex being used for handicapped parking and fireworks viewing.
Lyon County Undersheriff John Koelsch reminds drivers and pedestrians they cannot stop on Interstate 35 or Kansas Highway 99, either to park or stand, while the fireworks display is ongoing.
Click here for KVOE’s YouTube channel, including content from Emporia’s activities Friday.
8:30 am Friday: America 250 celebration launching in Emporia
Emporia’s America 250 celebration is upon us.
A 2-day celebration is taking place, starting with a big parade in downtown Emporia. Line-up starts near 4th and Commercial at 8:30 am, with the parade starting at 9:30 am. Veterans Legacy Fund organizer Clay Childs is pleased with how Friday’s activities have come together.
Childs was hoping to see 50 parade entries. The field is approaching 70, and Childs, a guest on KVOE’s On-Air Chat this week, says there’s no more room.
Childs says there will be some parade entries worth noting.
From there, activities shift to the Lyon County Fairgrounds for an All-American Cookout beginning at 11 am. Free hot dogs and hamburgers will be served inside the Bowyer Community Building, and Childs is encouraging all parade participants to be part of the cookout atmosphere.
Childs also says there will be bounce houses, a photo opportunity with a large American flag and other activities. Childs encourages people to come into the Fairgrounds using the West 12th entrance.
Among the cookout participants is the Emporia Municipal Band, which is performing after its normal Thursday night concert in Fremont Park. Director Nancy Riecker says the music will reflect the magnitude of the national celebration.
Childs reminds people there can be no alcohol or fireworks, either at the parade or the cookout.
Photos by KVOE staffers
