photo by: Chris Conde/Journal-World

Fireworks light up the sky on July 3, 2022, over the KU Endowment building, 1891 Constant Ave.

As the United States of America’s 250th birthday approaches, here’s a roundup of rules on fireworks, celebrations, and changes to local services in Lawrence and Douglas County.

While Lawrence does not allow the sale or use of fireworks within its city limits, in unincorporated Douglas County, fireworks may be discharged only on private property with the owner’s permission and supervision. The use of fireworks on public streets and roadways is prohibited.

The use and sale of fireworks in unincorporated Douglas County is permitted July 1-4. Fireworks are allowed during the following hours for the rest of this week: Friday and Saturday from 7 a.m. to midnight.

At Lone Star Lake Park, fireworks are allowed in the upper parking lot east of the campground during the above allowed times. Fireworks are allowed between 6 p.m. and 11:45 p.m. Saturday in the paved area between the maintenance buildings and community building, and the shelter area south of the maintenance buildings.

photo by: Douglas County

This map displays where fireworks are allowed July 1-4 at Lone Star Lake Park.

There are multiple events and festivities the public can participate in this Saturday, including:

• Lawrence’s 2026 Summerfest will be offering a variety of festivities from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday at the Douglas County Fairgrounds, 2120 Harper St. The day will feature live music, local food vendors, family-friendly activities and conclude with a drone show.

• The second annual July 4th Freedom Fest will provide entertainment from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, on the east side of South Park, 1141 Massachusetts St. The event will include a program providing an overview of the nation’s progress in the areas of civil rights, women’s rights and voting rights. There will also be music performances and kid-friendly activities.

• The Eudora Star-Spangled Celebration will be held on Saturday from 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at Eudora High School, 2203 Church St. in Eudora. The event features food trucks, a Family Fun Zone, live music and a massive fireworks display beginning around 9:30 p.m.

Many organizations will have altered service hours or closures in observance of Independence Day:

• City of Lawrence offices will be closed on Friday.

• There will be no delay in solid waste collection for the 4th of July, and it will happen according to residents’ regular schedule. However, bulk pickup, roll-off service and cart maintenance requests will not occur on Friday. The Lawrence-Douglas County Household Hazardous Waste Facility will be closed on Friday, and the Compost Facility will be closed on Saturday.

• Parking meters, lots and garages will be free on Friday and Saturday.

• Lawrence Transit’s bus routes 1-12 and Route 45 will operate on Friday. There will be an extended service on Route 4 until 1 a.m., and a reduced schedule for Routes 11 and 12 on Friday. Central Station will be closed on Friday and Saturday. There will be no public transit service on Saturday, and fixed-route, paratransit, and on-demand buses will not operate.

• The Parks, Recreation and Culture administrative office in South Park and the cemeteries office will be closed on Friday.

• The following parks and recreation facilities will be closed on Saturday: Community Building, East Lawrence Recreation Center, Holcom Park Recreation Center, Sports Pavilion Lawrence and the Prairie Park Nature Center.

• The Indoor Aquatic Center will be open Friday, from 6:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. for competition pool lap swim, and it will be closed on Saturday.

• The Outdoor Aquatic Center will be open from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday.

• Eagle Bend Golf Course and Learning Center will be open on Saturday from 7 a.m. until dark. They accept tee times one week in advance online or by phone: 785-748-0600.

• Douglas County government offices, District Court and the Senior Resource Center will be closed on Friday.

• The Lawrence Public Library will be closed on Saturday and Sunday.

• The Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center’s outpatient services will be closed on Friday. If someone is in crisis, they can visit the Treatment & Recovery Center, which is available for walk-in crisis support. People can also call 988.