Micah Wilkins
Northeast News
June 30, 2014

KANSAS CITY, Missouri — With the largest firework display in the region, put on by the largest fireworks provider in the United States, along one of the largest rivers in the country, what better way is there to spend Independence Day this year?

On Friday, July 4, the Berkley Riverfront Park is again hosting the KC RiverFest, Kansas City’s premier Independence Day celebration. In addition to fireworks from Zambelli Fireworks, the event will feature live music, food vendors, activities for kids and more. Tickets for the event are $5, but admission is free for the first hour of the Fest, from 4 p.m.- 5 p.m.

The event runs until 11 p.m., and guests can expect to be entertained throughout the evening. DJ Rich B, Wonderland KC, Flannigan’s Right Hook, Drew6, and the Zeros will be performing on the Port Authority Main Stage, while Vi Tran Band, Jorge Arana Trio, Eddie Moore & the Outer Circle and Akkilles will be performing on the PITCH Music Stage. Following the fireworks show at 10:15 p.m. the headlining band, the Zeros, will take the stage.

According to Keli O’Neill Wenzel, one of the organizers of the events, the fireworks show will last 17 minutes long.

“The view from the banks of the river is a highlight,” Wenzel said.

On the menu for the evening features a variety of food trucks and vendors, including Taco Republic, Little Italy, Sheridan’s Custard, Jerusalem Cafe, Helen on Wheels and more. Vendors will also be selling water, soda and beer.

Kids will be kept busy, too, according to Wenzel. KC RiverFest will have bounce houses, rock climbing, a craft tent, face painting, balloon artists and more. Children 12 years old and under are allowed free admission.

The event is organized by Friends of the River — Kansas City, a local nonprofit which has been organizing this event since 2005. FOR-KC promotes education, conservation, recreation and history surrounding Kansas City’s riverfront.

Thirty thousand guests are expected this year, which means crowded streets and limited parking. Guests are encouraged to park in the River Market area or downtown and take free shuttles to the park. A limited number of parking spots are also available in the park for a fee of $10. More information can be found by visiting http://www.kcriverfest.com/.