By Lucky Kidd
LARNED, Kan. — Some communities get an early start on the 4th of July, and Great Bend is one of them as they are having their show Wednesday evening at the Expo Grounds west of Great Bend. Gates open at 7:30, and the fireworks go up at 9:45.
Also, an early starter to the Holiday is Ness City, having Food, Fun and Fireworks Wednesday evening at 6 at the Ness County Fairgrounds. They will have amusement rides, a hamburger and fries supper and the fireworks go up at 10 PM.
Larned Civic Pride kicks off the 4th of July with the 41st annual 4th of July Run Thursday morning at 6:30 at the Larned Swimming Pool. There are four events, including two mile and 10K runs, a two-mile walk, and a triathlon that includes a lap in the pool, a 10K bike ride and two-mile run. There are eight age categories with medals for the top three finishers in eight age brackets with male and female categories.
Larned’s 4th of July celebration takes place Thursday evening at Jordaan Park, with pre-show events starting at 7 including the VFW Color Guard, music from Tim Tunes DJ, and more, with the fireworks show to start at dark. The Fireworks are sponsored by the Larned Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors, who raise funds for the show through their flag lease program. If you want to know more about the program, contact the Chamber office at 620-285-6916.
Lewis Days kicks off this evening with an enchilada dinner at 5:30 at the Community Hall, with bingo at 6:30. Events move to the football field at Lewis School at 8 with co-ed flag football games in three age categories with a watermelon feed at halftime of the first game. Events Saturday include a 5K race and kids fun run with registration at 7, followed by the parade at 10, theme for which is “So God Made a Farmer,” based on the famed Paul Harvey commentary. A car show, craft fair, and various games and events will follow the parade. There will be a memoir workshop at 2:30 at the Meadowlark Library with a kids ice cream sundae bar at the Community Building at 3:30 and Medallion hunt at 4. Saturday wraps up with a street dance from 7-11 on Main Street with Crazy Horse 2.0. Sunday events include a community worship service at 9 at the football field, followed by donuts, coffee and fellowship at the Community Hall where the Lewis Alumni dinner takes place at noon.
Horsethief Reservoir west of Jetmore will be having Pack the Park this weekend. Today’s events included a kid’s bike rodeo at the open air pavilion. At 10 AM Saturday, events include cornhole, a decorating contest with judging at 2, a family fun day with games, inflatables and more along with food vendors starting at 4, and fireworks at 9:45. A $5 permit is required to enter the park.
See more upcoming local events on the Cares page
