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.
Saturday night features the fireworks show at Emporia State University. Longtime lead pyrotechnician Bernie Toso says “there will be no dark sky,” adding this should be the city’s best fireworks show ever.
Toso says some carryover funds from last year, coupled with a “good year” with revenues from this year’s fireworks vendors, are helping to expand the show for Saturday night.
The show could launch around 9:40 pm. Toso says there will be some special shells designed to highlight the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence as part of the show. With storms and lightning possible, Toso says the show will go on.
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.
