Compiled by Kellie Houx
CLAY COUNTY — Several Northland communities are holding Fourth of July celebrations.
Kearney
One of the two communities that celebrates July Fourth a day early, Kearney holds its celebration Thursday, July 3.
The Kearney Fireworks Celebration features Platinum Express will be at Jesse James Park, 3001 N. Highway 33.
The band performs a variety of Motown, soul, funk and Classic Rock that features 4 vocalists and horns.
There will be free inflatables for kids to play on, starting at 5:30 p.m. Plus there will be free cotton candy. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. and fireworks, 9:30 p.m.
There is free admission and parking. Spectators encouraged to have vehicles parked prior to 9 p.m. Concessions will be available for purchase. Bring lawn chairs and blankets.
Fireworks are allowed in Kearney 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. June 28 to July 3 and 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. July 4. Bottle rockets are not allowed to be sold or discharged within Kearney city limits. Fireworks cannot be discharged in a way that threatens or injures others.
Liberty
Liberty Fest 2025 runs from 6 to 10:30 p.m. Thursday, July 3 at Capitol Federal Sports Complex, 2200 Old State Highway 210.
The free celebration hosted by the city of Liberty and the Liberty Area Chamber of Commerce starts with free family activities such as face painting, glitter tattoos, balloon artists, inflatables, games and more. The family fun starts at 6 p.m. There will also be food trucks and the Liberty Chamber beverage tent to make purchases.
Live music and entertainment runs from 8 to 10 p.m. The fireworks show starts at 10 p.m.
Parking passes are required. Passes can be picked up at through July 3 at the Liberty Area Chamber of Commerce office, 1170 W. Kansas St., Ste. H. The office is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The discharge of non-aerial fireworks is permitted between 4 to 10 p.m. July 3 and July 4. The shooting of aerial fireworks are permitted between 4 and 10 p.m. on July 3 and July 4 on three -acre tracts of land or more.
North Kansas City
The Blue and Gray Brass Brigade brings Americana and patriotic music to Friday in the Park, starting at 11:30 a.m. July 4 at North Kansas City’s Festival Pavilion in Macken Park, 3005 Howell St.
All concerts are free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.nkc.org or call 274-6000.
Gladstone
Starting at 9:30 a.m. July 4, there will be public readings of the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution at the Atkins-Johnson Farm & Museum, 4109 NE Pleasant Valley Road, Gladstone.
This is a free event where citizens can gather and listen to readings of these founding documents. The event is also hosted by Clay County 250.
Gladstone Parks, Recreation & Cultural Arts presents the Annual Independence Day Celebration on Friday, July 4 at Oak Grove Park, Northeast 76th and North Troost.
The free celebration kicks off at 7 p.m. with a performance by the band Flashback. Gladstone Fire and Police Department honor guard will have a Presentation of Colors, and a fireworks display will take place at 9:35 p.m.
Snacks and beverages will be sold by the Gladstone Rotary Club.
Parking will be available at Oak Park High School. Gladstone Police officers will be directing traffic.
The city of Gladstone does not allow the sale, use, possession, and discharge of fireworks are not allowed within the city.
Worlds of Fun
Starting at 9:30 p.m. July 4 and 5, all-American thrills are waiting at Worlds of Fun, 4545 NE Worlds Of Fun Drive. The night’s sky will be painted with bright and colorful lights while explosive sounds erupt in combination with patriotic music, creating an unforgettable show for all ages.
Fireworks and other special events and entertainment are scheduled for specific durations and times; all entertainment during Star-Spangled Nights is weather permitting and subject to change. Select rides may be scheduled to close early in preparation for the fireworks.
Smithville
The annual Smithville Fireworks Show sponsored by the city of Smithville and Clay County starts around dusk or 9 p.m. Friday, July 4.
This free fireworks show will be set off from Smith’s Fork Park (north side of the Spillway) at dusk, roughly 9PM. Great spots to watch the show are at Smith’s Fork Park, on the lake near the dam, Smith’s Fork Campground, and surrounding areas around the park. Parking is available throughout Smith’s Fork Park.
Park restrooms will be closed due to annual vandalism. Portable restrooms will be available throughout Smith’s Fork park,
The city of Smithville allows fireworks July 3 to 5. No aerials are allowed in the city.
