photo by: Shawn Valverde/Journal-World

Fireworks go off over the stage at the 2023 Independence Day celebration at the Douglas County Fairgrounds on July 3, 2023.

With Independence Day just around the corner, here’s what to know about various events and how to celebrate safely and legally.

Fireworks have been prohibited in Lawrence for 23 years now, with the exception of novelty items like party poppers, sparklers and snappers, but folks who want to shoot off fireworks can do so in parts of Douglas County, as long as certain rules are followed.

The use of fireworks on public streets or roadways in the county is strictly prohibited. In unincorporated Douglas County, fireworks are permitted on private property from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. on July 1 and July 2. On July 3 and July 4, fireworks are allowed from 7 a.m. to midnight.

Additionally, those wishing to use fireworks at Lone Star Lake may do so in the upper parking lot east of the campground during the previously mentioned dates and times, July 1-4. On July 4, from 6 p.m. to 11:45 p.m., fireworks may also be discharged at the point southwest of the maintenance buildings, as well as in the area between the maintenance and community buildings. Fireworks are strictly prohibited on all other park lands, including campgrounds and beaches.

photo by: Douglas County

Fireworks restrictions within Lone Star Lake.

A number of community celebrations are also on tap. The City of Lawrence will present its “Summer Fest” on July 3 at the Douglas County Fairgrounds, 2120 Harper St. The event begins at 4 p.m. and will feature children’s activities, an artisan fair and live music. Food trucks will open at 5 p.m., and a drone show is scheduled for 9:45 p.m. Spectators can view the drone show from the derby area.

Last year, the $30,000 drone show was canceled due to a mix of heavy rain and technical difficulties. The City of Lawrence was issued a credit for this year’s show.

The first-ever “July 4th Freedom Fest: Celebrate and Defend Our Constitution” will celebrate our rights and freedoms under the U.S. Constitution from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, July 4, at the East Shelter in Centennial Park, a half-block west of Iowa and Ninth streets. The highlight of the free festival will be a public reading of selected portions of the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights by local community members at 11:15 a.m. Kid-friendly activities will be available throughout the festival, including storytelling and play stations. Food trucks will be onsite. An information fair will feature tabling by social justice organizations and political candidates running in the upcoming election for City Commission and school board seats across Douglas County.

Eudora Parks and Recreation will hold the city’s annual fireworks display on July 4, starting around 9:30 p.m. Parking will be available at Eudora Middle School, 2635 Church St., and Eudora High School, 2203 Church St.

A 249th birthday salute to the United States of America will also take place in Eudora at the Central Protective Association Park gazebo at Ninth and Main streets at 11 a.m. on July 4. The event will feature a program about the Declaration of Independence and be led by members of local chapters of the Sons of the American Revolution and the Daughters of the American Revolution.

The Baldwin City Recreation Commission will host its Independence Day celebration on July 5 from 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Baldwin City Golf Course, 1102 Main St. The event will include live music, a free Kid’s Zone, food and drink vendors, and will conclude with a fireworks show at 10 p.m.

The City of Lecompton will not be hosting any festivities for the Fourth of July.

The Douglas County Zoning and Codes Department regulates fireworks sales and has issued 13 permits for 2025. These permits authorize the sale and use of fireworks from July 1 to July 4.

Firework stands with permits within Douglas County.

The National Safety Council, recommends that people enjoy fireworks at public displays conducted by professionals. However, for families choosing to discharge their own fireworks, young children should not be allowed to handle fireworks, and fireworks should never be used while a person is impaired by drugs or alcohol. Fireworks should never be lit in a person’s hand or pointed at anyone, and protective eyewear should always be worn.

Sparklers alone account for more than 25% of emergency room visits for fireworks injuries, according to the National Fire Protection Association. For children under 5, sparklers accounted for nearly half of the total estimated injuries.

“The key thing we would stress is for everyone to use common sense, follow the law and regulations and be respectful of neighbors and livestock,” Interim Chief John Mathis of Douglas County Consolidated Fire District No. 1 told the Journal-World via email. “Make sure all children are supervised and that fireworks can be discharged safely away from people and property that could be damaged.”

A spokesperson for the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, George Diepenbrock, said that the office receives a few calls each night either about fireworks being discharged prior to the days permitted or outside of the hours permitted – especially if they occur after 10 p.m. on July 1-2.

“We encourage people to be considerate and respectful and be aware of all laws and regulations,” Diepenbrock said. “Given the longer weekend with the Fourth on a Friday, we would also encourage people to celebrate safely, especially in avoiding impaired driving of vehicles and boats.”

The National Weather Service forecasts rain chances throughout the week. Monday will see a high of 88 degrees and a low of 66 with possible rain and thunderstorms. Tuesday will also reach the high 80s with a low of 65. Wednesday may bring some showers with a high near 88 and a low around 69. Thursday will bring another chance of storms and a high near 90 and a low around 70.

On Friday, the Fourth of July, it’s expected to be mostly cloudy with a chance of showers and thunderstorms and a high near 90 and a low around 73.

The offices for the cities of Lawrence, Baldwin City, Eudora and Lecompton will be closed on July 4, along with Douglas County offices and District Court.