By CAROLANNE MURRAY
Northeast News
July 3, 2013

Instead of illegally lighting and watching amateur fireworks this Fourth of July, there are safer, legal options to enjoy.

The Kansas City Fire Department is reminding locals to remember that all fireworks are illegal within Kansas City’s city limits.

Each year, there are usually more fires reported on July 4 than any other day of the year. Statistics from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Nation Fire Protection Agency confirmed that in 2010 there were more than 15,500 fires caused by fireworks. Approximately 8,600 people were treated in emergency rooms for firework related injuries and eight people were killed.

The fire department urges residents to enjoy the fireworks safely and visit one of the many professional fireworks displays offered in the area.

July 4 Fireworks Displays
Kansas City RiverFest offers the largest Independence Day fireworks display in the region. The event will be held at Berkley Riverfront Park from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. Tickets are $5/person and children 12 and under get in free. Food, music and activities for kids will also be available at the event. The fireworks show will begin at approximately 10 p.m.

The Mormon Visitor Center in Independence will also host a free Independence Day Celebration and fireworks display. Starting at 9:30 a.m. the annual children’s parade will begin at the 23rd and Main parking lot. At 7 p.m. at the Community of Christ auditorium there will be a concert featuring the American Rhythm folk dance group. At 8:15 p.m. at the Mormon Visitors Center the Spirit of Independence Concert Band will perform. Following the concerts, the fireworks will begin at approximately 9:30 p.m.

The Gladstone area’s independence Day celebration is a free event that will be hosted at Oak Grove Park from 7:30 p.m. to midnight. The North Star Community Band will be performing a special concert. Fireworks will begin at dusk.

The Liberty4thFest is another firework show that is free to the public. Starting at 10 a.m. at the Historic Liberty Square there will be a parade followed by a DJ and inflatables at 11 a.m. The fireworks show and live music will be held at William Jewell College at Greene Stadium. Gates open at 8 p.m., the bands will play at 9.m. and the fireworks show will begin at 9:45 p.m.

Worlds of Fun will also have their annual fireworks show. Admission into the park ranges from $19.99 to $49.99. The fireworks display will begin at 10 p.m. Fireworks shows will also happen on July 5 and every saturday in July.

The Parkville July Fourth Celebration begins at 7 a.m. with a pancake breakfast at the American Legion located in Parkville. At 10 a.m. there will be an “American Heroes” parade. A carnival and food vendors will be available from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. At 7:30 p.m. the Parkville Symphonic Band will perform at Park University Graham Tyler Memorial Chapel. After the performance, guests can see the Falcon Skydiving Team dive over the carnival and land in the English Landing Center at 8:30 p.m. A fireworks show will follow their performance, starting at about 9:45 p.m.