If you’re looking for ways to celebrate Independence Day, there are plenty of options close to home. Celebrations are taking place across the Flint Hills region, with live music, games, a potluck, picnics and spectacular fireworks shows among the many events to enjoy.
*** Council Grove
Graveyard Games Summer Party will feature a water volleyball tournament to begin at noon, foam pit for the kids, beer gardens, cornhole tournament and other activities before the evening fireworks at the Riverwalk put on by the fire department.
Entry fee for the water volleyball is $40 per team. The winning team will receive 50% of the pot, with the remainder helping to cover expenses.
Trophies and medals will be awarded, and additional prizes are planned for such categories as best team name and best team outfits. Cooper Blackledge, Graveyard Games. said part of the fun of the tournament will be encouraging teams to dress up, create team names and make the event entertaining for both participants and spectators.
In addition to the tournament, a foam pit will be available for children. Blackledge said the foam pit will be set up in an inflatable area, with a foam shooter creating a place for children to play. He said the goal is to provide an activity that families and children can enjoy during the day.
Cornhole will also be available throughout the day. Those attending are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.
Registration is now open for teams. Those interested in entering the water volleyball tournament may call or text 620-767-3131 to reserve a spot and arrange payment.
Blackledge said he hopes the event gives people of all ages something fun to do before the fireworks begin.
*** Council Grove City Lake
11:00 a.m. -- Kayak, Paddleboat, and Paddle Board Races begin. All racers need to be at C-6/104 Deepwater Loop when the races start. Lifejackets required! Must bring your own vessels to race.
Kayak (12 and Under), Kayak (13 and Over), Paddleboat (12 and Under, and Paddleboard (13 and Over) To sign up for the Races:
• Participant’s name
• Event and Age group (example: Kayak, 12 and under)
• Lake cabin number 2:00-6:00 p.m. -- Lakefront Decorating is from 2:00-6:00 p.m.
4:00 p.m. -- Boat Regatta To sign up for Lakefront Decorating and Boat Regatta:
• Participant’s name
• Event
• Lake cabin number
• Phone number Prizes for each 12 and Under Races: 1st place: $30; 2nd place: $20; 3rd place: $10 Prizes for each 13 and over race: 1st place: $50; 2nd place: $40; 3rd place: $20 Prizes for Lakefront Decorating: 1st place: $150; 2nd place: $100; 3rd place: $75 Prizes for Boat Regatta: 1st place: $150; 2nd place: $100; 3rd place: $75 *** Council Grove Marina Noon-5PM -- Favorite camping games will be available throughout the afternoon, including Bucket Golf, Washers, LCR, also known as Left Center Right, and Ladder Golf. Participants may gather a few friends and play in small groups at their leisure.
Rules will be posted for each game.
1PM-Potluck -- The serving line will be set up on land, with food served from noon to approximately 1 or 1:30 p.m. You are asked to bring a dish to share After the potluck: water balloon toss and egg toss games will be held, with prizes awarded to the top winners. Start times will be posted in the cove. Participants may want to choose their partners early, as both games are expected to be competitive.
Picnic areas will be set up around the cove near the serving line, and tables on the dock will be available for picnicking. Those attending are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets, as picnic seating will be limited.
No coolers will be allowed on the dock. Purchases made on the dock help keep marina events free. Fireworks are not allowed on federal property.
*** Herington
The 4th of July celebration will be July 4, from noon-4 p.m., at the First Baptist Church in Herington. This is a free event for the community, with a cornhole tournament with prizes, bounce houses, water games, watermelon eating contest, music, chalk art design contest with prizes, BBQ contest (meat provided) with prizes, pie baking contest with prizes, and fellowship. You are asked to bring a side dish to share. The church is located at 201 E. Hawley Street.
*** White City
White City begins the holiday with the 18th Annual Jeremy Hopper Memorial Softball tournament on Friday, July 3, and ends on Saturday, July 4, with an aerial concert in the sky! A concession stand will be open during the ball games (Class of 2027 & FCA), and a baby changing station is located northwest of the basketball court (sponsored by the Parkerville Baptist Church. Vendors include Meat Rubbers BBQ, Dub-C Bar & Grill, The Snow Barnes, Unique Treats, LLC, Southern Smokehouse and The Fizz Fix. A breakfast, provided by the White City FFA, will be available on Saturday at the concession stand.
Schedule:
Friday 5:00 p.m. – Jeremy Hopper Softball Tournament begins Saturday 7:30 a.m. – 5K Registration (Katy Park) 7:45 a.m. – 1 Mile Run/Walk Registration (Katy Park) 8:00 a.m. – 5K Race 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk (Katy Park) 8:15 a.m. – 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk (Katy Park) 8:30 a.m. – Flag Raising Ceremony (Centennial Park Ball Fields) 9:00 a.m. – Jeremy Hopper Softball Tournament resumes 3:00 p.m. – Parade (Line-up on Commercial Street by Fire Station) 4:00 p.m. – Turtle Races (Located on basketball court-Centennial Park) 4:00 p.m. – Alpine Air Mechanical Ride (Sponsored by the City of White City) 4:30 p.m. – Kids’ Games (3 leg race, water balloon toss) 5:00 p.m. – Pedal Tractor Pull (Located on basketball court-Centennial Park-Sponsored by Morris County Farm Bureau 7:00 p.m. – Championship Game begins 9:00 p.m. – National Anthem (sang by Jade Beary) DARK – Aerial concert in the sky (DJ music provided by DJ Hicks Production) *** Wilsey
Wilsey will celebrate at the city park on July 3, with outdoor games beginning at 4:30 p.m. The Flint Hills Community Band will play patriotic songs at 5:30 p.m., and a potluck will begin at 6:30 p.m. You should bring your favorite side, salad or dessert. Smoked meat will be provided by Jake TenEyck. Tea and water will be provided. No alcoholic beverages are allowed at the park. At 7:30 p.m. there will be special music and announcements. The fireworks show will begin at dusk. If you would like to donate money for the fireworks, you can send your check to Jake’s Fireworks, c/o Terry TenEyck, 102 N. 3rd St., Wilsey, KS 66873. You can also Venmo him at Jake-TenEyck-2 (last 4-6603).
*** Cottonwood Falls
The 250th celebration block party is July 3, in front of the courthouse between Pearl & Friend on Broadway Street.
A full afternoon and evening of activities for all ages. Please bring your lawn chairs.
•Kid’s Events from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm – scavenger hunt, games, coloring activity & prizes.
•Community commemorative canvas created with children’s handprints.
•Courthouse tours and special museum activities – come early and enjoy these activities.
•Food trucks, Granny’s Sweets & Eats & Rick & Jenny’s. HeBrews will be selling food & drink items.
•HONORING AMERICA PRE-SENTATIONS to begin at 6:30 p.m.
•Live music “Songs of America” 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
•Fireworks Display Check us out on Facebook for updates on events.
*** Junction City
The July 4, event schedule: 7:30 a.m. -- Freedom Run 10:00 a.m. Freedom Parade on Eisenhower Drive Noon -- Veteran’s Ceremony at Heritage Park’s Kansas Vietnam Veteran Memorial Noon -- Carnival and Car Show Live Music and Entertainment: throughout the day 10:00 p.m. -- Fireworks Extravaganza