By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
Patriots and lovers of fireworks will have plenty of opportunities to share their red, white, and blue pride this week. Independence Day falls on a Thursday this year, but Great Bend Community Coordinator Christina Hayes said the celebration kicks off locally the night before at the Great Bend Expo Complex.
"We moved it to July 3 several years ago so families of Great Bend and beyond can attend our fireworks show on the third, sponsored by the businesses of Great Bend, then they can celebrate with their families on the Fourth," Hayes said.
Gates at the Expo Complex west of Great Bend open at 7:30 p.m. The pre-show will begin at 8:30 p.m. on 100.7 Eagle Country. The fireworks show will begin shortly after 9:45 depending on light and wind conditions.
"Big thanks to our major sponsors: city of Great Bend, Scott's Welding, AllStaff Chartered, Nex-Tech, Concrete Service, and Freedom Claims Management," said Hayes. "Again, thank you to all businesses who support it all levels. We couldn't do it without you. We do hope you'll kick off your July 4 celebration with us at the city fireworks display on July 3."
Ellinwood will host its fireworks celebration at dark on July 4 near the swimming pool. Encounter Church, 601 S. Patton Road in Great Bend, will host its All-American Celebration on Sunday, July 7, with a fireworks show that evening.
Other shows and fireworks rules:
Great Bend
- Fireworks may be discharged from 10 a.m. to midnight on July 4.
- The city of Great Bend's fireworks show will take place on July 3 at the Expo Grounds. Gates open at 7:30 p.m. with fireworks around 9:45 p.m. Tune in to 100.7 Eagle Country beginning at 8:30 p.m.
- Encounter Church, 601 S. Patton, will host its All-American Celebration on Sunday, July 7 beginning at 6:30 p.m. A fireworks show will conclude the evening after dark.
Claflin
- Fireworks may be discharged from 8 a.m. to midnight on July 4. Bottle rockets and other similar self-propelled fireworks are prohibited.
Ellinwood
- Fireworks may be discharged from 8 a.m. to midnight on July 4.
- The city's fireworks show will begin just after dark on July 4 in the practice field adjacent to the swimming pool.
Ellsworth
- Fireworks may be discharged from 6 p.m. on July 3 to midnight on July 4.
Hoisington
- Fireworks may be discharged from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. on July 4.
Larned
- Fireworks may be sold from July 1-4. They may be discharged from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. July 1-3, and from 8 a.m. to midnight on July 4.
- The 4th of July Celebration at Jordaan Park includes an evening of music that concludes with a fireworks show at 9:45 p.m.
Russell
- Fireworks may be purchased from June 27-July 4 at midnight.
- Fireworks may be discharged from 8 a.m. to midnight on July 4.
- Fireworks are not to be discharged in the street or recklessly (at a person, at a group, at a structure, at an animal, or anything that can cause someone to be threatened)
- As far as legal/ illegal fireworks, the city of Russell follows the state of Kansas regulations so bottle rockets are prohibited.
- Russell Freedom Fest is a full day of events on July 4, including a parade, community BBQ, free swimming, and a cake walk. The Ernest "Ernie" L. Carter Memorial Fireworks Display will begin around 10 p.m. with music on 95.9 FM. The fireworks will be visible to anyone on the east side of Russell.