Ready, Set, BOOM!

t’s that time of year once again when everywhere you look, you see America’s trademark red, white and blue, and feel strong bursts of patriotism. You may even hear the occasional boom going off at all hours of the day. America’s Independence Day has arrived once more. With all the parades, barbecues, block parties and lake days, a general feeling of community spirit pervades the air. If you’re looking for an ideal way to get out for the occasion, here are some fun opportunities in the local area to celebrate the Fourth of July with your fellow Wichitans.

Independence Day Parade 

Nothing gets you into the holiday spirit quite like a parade. Though there are no parades in Wichita this year, you can head down to Haysville and catch their Independence Day Parade. It will begin at 8 a.m. at the Haysville Middle School (900 W. Grand) and conclude at Haysville United Methodist Church (601 E. Grand). Bring the kiddos along to get them into the spirit, and let them catch candy from all the festive parade floats.

'Celebrate America' in Cowtown

The Old Cowtown Museum’s annual “Celebrate America” event will take place on Saturday, July 2, and always plays host to some good, old-fashioned fun. Catch the magician’s performance, get caught up in the middle of the gunfight reenactment, see the saloon girls, and take your chance playing the carnival and lawn games. Click over to oldcowtown.org for all the details. 

Independence Day Commemoration

Observe the Independence Day Commemoration at Veterans Memorial Park on Saturday, July 2 from 9 to 10 a.m. Located at the American Revolutionary War Memorial in the park, according to visitwichita.com, this commemoration “will include a flag-lined sidewalk to the Flag Pavilion, a Color Guard, ‘Taps’ performed by a bugler, a rifle salute, and more.” 

Red, White & BOOM! and Wind Surge game

If you’re looking to end your day of celebrating with a bang, what better way than at the annual event, Red, White & BOOM!, hosted by Wichita Park & Recreation and Riverfront Stadium. Food trucks will arrive at the Hyatt Lawn at 7 p.m., or you can attend the Wichita Wind Surge vs. Amarillo Sod Poodles game (because nothing shouts “America” like baseball and fireworks). The sky over the Arkansas River is set to light up beginning at 9:40 p.m. This night of baseball, fireworks and food trucks is a perfect way to cap off an amazing Independence Day. 

Wichita Warbird Weekend

One of Wichita’s newest and most exciting events is the Wichita Warbird Weekend, organized by the B-29 Doc Hangar, Education and Visitors Center. Doc is one of only two airworthy Superfortress aircraft remaining, and it finds its home in Wichita between participating in airshows. According to visitwichita.com, “Our B-29 Doc will host the event July 4–9, with additional World War II-era aircraft present. The aircraft will be on static display unless serving ride flight customers.” This opportunity is a fun and exciting way to observe true American icons. Fly over to b29doc.com for more information.