Fireworks Shows

From TheKCGuy

There are tons of fireworks shows near Kansas City around Independence Day, and plenty of great places to sit to watch them. These are just some of my favorites:

• Shawnee Mission Park has one of the largest shows in the area each year, known as Fire in the Sky. For many years, it was the largest. I'm not sure anymore. They do a simulcast on one of the local stations. I think it's 102.1. You can watch the show from several places in the park, or if you happen to be at Theatre in the Park, you can see it from there.
• Corporate Woods usually puts on a pretty good show. This year, they're calling it the Star Spangled Spectacular
• Parkville has a pretty good 4th of July show and celebration. I just love being in that little town, so this one is particularly fun.
• Worlds of Fun has traditionally done a large show, for as long as I can recall. I've actually never made it out there to see it, though.
• I'm curious if the Power and Light District will be able to host a fireworks show in 2008. We'll have to stay tuned to find out, I guess.
• Berkley Park features KC Riverfest by the river downtown. It's on the 4th and features the Zambelli family fireworks show. They're possibly the best providers in the country.
• Kansas Speedway
• Kauffman Stadium usually does a larger show around the 4th, but in 2008 the schedule has the Royals on the road, so they seem to be replacing their July show with the Kansas City Sky Show on June 20, 2008.
• Longview
• Although there are no fireworks at Liberty Memorial, it's a pretty good place to watch some of the other shows around town. You can see a handful from there. They keep the park open until midnight on the 4th for it.
• other schedules:
  • More information on fireworks displays in Kansas City is available at about.com.
  • fireworks schedule from the Star
  • weekend schedule from the Star
  • weekend entertainment calendar from the Star

Watching Fireworks Shows

• Most shows start at about 9:45 and last about 20 minutes. Be sure to get there early to get a good spot!
• Take a blanket to sit or lie on. Some people prefer chairs, but I find they make my neck ache.
• I recommend you wear ear protection, especially if you're at a show you can get close to. Your kids should be wearing ear protection. Their little ears can't handle all of the booms. Help them put in some of those little, foam plugs. They're comfortable for a 20 minute show.
• Don't forget your bug spray! July in Kansas City can provide plenty of mosquitos, and one year I must have sat in a chigger patch. Ow!
• Kids love to have glow sticks or glow necklaces and bracelets. It keeps them occupied while you're waiting for the show to start.
• If you arrive latish, please turn off your headlights and use your parking lights to find a place to park. People sitting in the dark don't like to have bright lights shined on them
• Here are some hints on taking better pictures of fireworks shows
• Enjoy the show!

Amateur Fireworks Shows

These are illegal in almost all parts of the metro area, from what I can tell. Overland Park has already started reminding residents that fireworks are illegal in Overland Park and they'll be out there looking for you.