Whether you choose to head out to the lake to enjoy the festivities to their fullest or opt for a Roman Candle-filled extravaganza in your back yard, remember to keep it safe, enlist a designated driver and above all – have a good time! We’re privileged to live in America, in Kansas, in Topeka, so let’s light up the sky with celebration.

Lake Shawnee Schedule of Events

No personal fireworks are allowed, so leave them for the after party. This is the big event that Topekans have attended in droves for 14 years – it’s become synonymous with a T-Town 4th.

Lake Shawnee Golf Tournament, Sunday July 4

• At Lake Shawnee Golf Course
• 2 Shotgun starts: 8 a.m. + 1:30 p.m.
• 4 Person scramble
• $30/person includes green fees, cart, gifts and BBQ lunch – good deal!

Car Show, Craft + Blues Festival, Sunday July 4, 9 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.

• Tinman Circle
• Kids’ activities, food vendors, information booths, crafts
• 2 p.m. Live music featuring *Buddy Flett with the **Nick Hern Band. Sponsored by the Topeka Blues Society

Buddy Flett is a renowned blues musician from Shreveport, Louisiana whose career skyrocketed in the 70s and 80s with his southern blues band, A-Train. His songwriting skills are hailed; he has written songs that have been recorded by John Mayall, Percy Sledge and many other big name recording artists. He has toured with Kenny Wayne Shepard and appeared with Shepard in his blues documentary “10 Days Out.”

Nick Hern Band is a soulful blues band made up of three talented young musicians from Topeka: Nick Hern, 17 year old guitar player/singer/songwriter, 17 year old bass player Jalen Dickson and 20 year old drummer Kyle Turner. Nick and his band play a wide variety of blues from his originals to the old blues of Robert Johnson to the new blues from today’s artists.

Country Concert, Sunday July 4, 7-9:45 p.m.

At the Pergola (37th and West Edge Road) – Featuring the Sierra Band – country/western swing from home sweet home, Kansas. These guys have a huge following in Topeka and are known as one of the best country acts in the area.

Waterski Show, Sunday July 4, 6:30-7:45 p.m.

• at the Shawnee Boat and Ski Club (cove at the NE end, near 29th and Croco)
• Pyramids, water ski jumps, trick skiiing, the works!
• Best viewing will be from the North shore of Tinman Circle.

Fireworks, anyone?

The Lake Shawnee Fireworks display is Sunday, July 4 at 10 p.m. There will be free bus transportation to the lake from White Lakes Mall starting at 6 p.m. – this might be the way to go to avoid the lines of traffic. Simulcast on Country Legends 106.9

Family Traditions

Neighborhood parades and celebrations can be just as much fun as the big shebang out at Lake Shawnee, and the traffic is usually non-existent. Here are a few options for celebrations that include pint-sized patriots.

Potwin Parade, Saturday July 3

• begins with a two-mile fun run at 8 a.m. through historic and beautiful Potwin
• Parade begins at 10 a.m. at the intersection of 3rd and Greenwood and will move West.
• 11 a.m. The Cruise Line Percussion group will perform at 1st and Woodlawn

College Hill Celebrations at Boswell Park, Saturday July 3

• 9 a.m. Fun games for families at Boswell Park
• parade begins at 10 a.m. at 13th and Boswell, featuring the College Hill Marching Band
• Free ice cream sandwiches for festivity-goers at Boswell Park immediately following the parade

Collins Park Parade, Sunday July 4, 11 a.m.

• The Fourth of July family tradition, the Collins Park Parade is as American as it gets. The route starts at Huntoon and Collins and moves south, starting at 11 a.m.
• Includes bands, politicians and plenty of fun parade displays.

Don’t forget to support local businesses this weekend as you buy a round and order up an all-American meal.

Have a safe and Happy Fourth! Cheers!

[ July 2010 | info compiled from various sources ]
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