From sunup to sundown and beyond, there is something going on in Seneca this Fourth of July.
The day starts with a 5K run, plus there is a parade, games for the kids, a duck race in the creek, and in the evening the fun moves to the school farm with music, inflatables for the kids, and fireworks.
Last year, organizers estimated a turnout of 30,000 people.
“It’s a good time,” said Josh Dodson, Seneca Chamber of Commerce president. “Last year we called it a down-home celebration, this year we’ve went back to just calling it an Independence Day celebration.”
The Independence Day Festival is a way to bring the surrounding communities together and celebrate freedom, Dodson said.
The parade route has changed somewhat. Entries will register by the laundromat and line up toward the new practice field behind the city park.
“We’re going to use old 60 Hwy., which will be blocked off from St. Louise St. to 43 Hwy.,” Dodson said.
The FFA is helping park cars. Parking costs $5 a vehicle with 15 percent going to the FFA and all other proceeds going toward next year’s fireworks.
The fireworks display, featuring music from KTBN, is a high point. Everybody enjoys fireworks, Dobson said.
“I see fireworks as a symbol of freedom in the United States,” he said.
Prior to the fireworks display, several bands will perform live. One of the bands is expected to tape a live breakout CD.
“We have music out there for their entertainment,” Dodson said. “There’s kids’ games and things of that nature, of course all the food and the drinks and everything that they’ll have out there and then the fireworks that just kind of make a mark in the Independence Day celebration.”
House of Bounce will provide inflatables at both the north and south ends of the fireworks grounds and families can purchase a wristband so their child can bounce all evening. The festival has added food variety with new vendors. The chamber started planning the event last year and kicked things into high gear in January. There are no plans to downsize the festival when next year rolls around.
“Just little stuff that’s been changed throughout the year that I think people will notice,” Dodson said. “Each year we plan to try to add and make it better.”
Schedule of events
- 7 a.m. 5K run, Iva E. Wells Middle School
- 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. fishing in city park
- 8:30 a.m. parade check-in and lineup
- 10 a.m. parade - Starting at the laundromat and ending at Iva E. Wells Middle School. Announced by Brain Dorman of KODE in front of the Campbell-Biddlecome Funeral Home
- 11 a.m. - duck race, Big Lost Creek - (for a chance to win $500 or trip for two to Las Vegas)
- 11 a.m.–2 p.m. kids games, Iva E. Wells Middle School
- 1 p.m.–5 p.m. Seneca 4-State Idol Contest in the high school gym
- 5 p.m. gates open at Highway U and Bethel Rd. – music, inflatables, vendors
- 5:30 p.m. music starts at Highway U and Bethel Rd. - The Believers will sing the National Anthem, other music by the Brent Baker Band and Ben Miller Band
- 9 p.m. drawing results from Chamber raffle
- 9:45 p.m. fireworks show along with music which will be heard on KBTN and live at the grounds
Parking is $5 for each entry
PRIZE DRAWING
The Chamber is selling tickets for two drawings. Chances for a 26-inch LCD HDTV and a Nintendo Wii with game and extra controllers are one chance for $5 or three chances for $10. Chances for the KC Royal tickets, St. Louis Cardinals tickets or a family pack of fireworks worth $100 is $1 a chance or $5 for eight chances. The drawing will be held at 9 p.m. on Saturday.
