Free fireworks displays to be in Bonner Springs, Turner
Consumer fireworks may be discharged between July 2 and July 4 in Kansas City, Kansas, and the Kansas City, Kansas Fire Department is urging residents and visitors to be cautious when using them.
Also, an alternative to purchasing and discharging fireworks at home is attending a fireworks display. This year, free fireworks displays are June 30 in Bonner Springs and July 1 at Pierson Park.
In addition, the Kansas City Monarchs are holding Fourth of July celebrations July 1-3 and Sporting Kansas City will have a fireworks display July 3.
According to John Droppelmann, Kansas City, Kansas, fire marshal and deputy fire chief, nearly 10,000 people are injured each year as a result of the improper use of fireworks.
Fireworks are on sale from June 29 through July 4 in Kansas City, Kansas, but may be discharged only from July 2 to 4.
Safety tips for using fireworks at home
Droppelmann offered several safety tips to reduce the potential for injuries while using consumer grade fireworks.
• Purchase fireworks from reliable sources, never discharge homemade or illegal fireworks.
• Have a responsible adult in charge and never give fireworks to children.
• Always read and follow label instructions for the safe discharge of fireworks.
• Prepare a safe environment outdoors for the shooting off of fireworks by selecting an area clear of other fireworks, combustible materials (dried wood, grass, or structures) and cut the grass low in the areas will fireworks will be discharged.
• Have water readily available such as garden hose or bucket; pump sprayers are reasonably priced and portable should a grass fire ignite.
• Dispose of fireworks debris in a non-combustible container and do not place it near or in a structure; leave it curbside and soak thoroughly with water.
• Never carry fireworks in your pockets.
• When lighting fireworks, never position any part of your body over the fireworks.
• Do not shoot or point fireworks at people or animals.
• Light fireworks one at a time and wait until it discharges; never attempt to re-light a firework that did not discharge the first time. Wait 20 minutes to approach the “dud” and soak it with water.
• Never shoot fireworks in or from metal or glass containers.
• Drive with a heightened awareness during this time as children will be distracted while using fireworks and may dart out from driveways and between vehicles.
Kansas City, Kansas, municipal ordinances
• Fireworks may only be discharged between the hours of 9 a.m. and 11 p.m.
• Fireworks may only be discharged from July 2nd through July 4th.
• It is illegal to shoot fireworks from, on, or under a vehicle whether it is moving or parked.
• It is illegal to throw or place any fireworks in any gathering of persons.
• It is illegal to shoot fireworks on any public roadway, alley, or sidewalk; within 150 feet of a fireworks stand, within 100 feet of a gas station, or within 1,000 feet of a hospital or home for the aged.
• It is illegal to ignite or discharge any fireworks in any building.
• Illegal fireworks include: “Home-made” ¼ and ½ sticks, M-80s, bottle rockets, missile-type rockets (with guidance fins) and sky lanterns.
Report any illegal fireworks by calling 911 or the arson hot line, 913-573-5555.
Free community fireworks displays
Bonner Blast scheduled on Thursday
Bonner Blast, 8:30 p.m. Thursday, June 30, at Kelly Murphy Park, 129 Elm St., Bonner Springs. The Bonner Springs City Band will play patriotic music starting at 8:30 p.m. Fireworks are planned. Refreshments will be sold to support the City Band. Those attending may bring a lawn chair. The event is sponsored by the city of Bonner Springs. No admission charge.
Turner Recreation’s Fireworks in the Park event scheduled on Friday
Fireworks in the Park, 9:45 p.m. Friday, July 1, at Pierson Park, 1800 S. 55th St., Kansas City, Kansas. The fireworks show will be weather-permitting. It is open to the public. There is no admission charge. This event is sponsored by the Turner Recreation Commission. Partners for the event are the Unified Government, Kansas City, Kansas, Fire Department and Wyandotte County Sheriff’s Office.
There is a map on the TRC website at https://www.turnerrecreation.org/departments/fireworks.php?fbclid=IwAR2kwKp4r-zVxxTqFWfsl-xXpPvIuyvdD8rmoT7ClP0ElQHYzuQ5duCybHo
showing where people are allowed and where they are not allowed during the fireworks show.
According to the website, when all the parking lots are full, the entrances to the park will be closed. Shelter 1 and Pierson Hall will be closed, while the other shelters will be open. There will be no parking on 55th Street. No alcohol or drugs will be allowed inside the park. No persons will be allowed within the safety perimeter for this event.
Fireworks with paid admission to sports events
The Kansas City Monarchs will play the Gary SouthShore RailCats this holiday weekend at Legends Field.
On Friday, July 1, there will be skydivers before the 7 p.m. game.
At 6 p.m. Saturday, July 2, the Monarchs’ theme will be Salute to Service, honoring service members, with post-game fireworks and military vehicles on display.
At 3 p.m. Sunday, the Monarchs are planning a post-game live concert, America’s Bash, featuring David Cook and Casi Joy.
Sporting KC will play at 7 p.m. Sunday, July 3, at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kansas. The New York Red Bulls will visit. There will be post-match fireworks.