INDEPENDENCE DAY TO LAUNCH JULY STATE PARK EVENTS

Fireworks, fishing tournaments, poker runs headline July events
PRATT — As mid-summer nears, many Kansans look forward to Independence Day weekend — July 7-8 this year — and most park facilities should be ready for Fourth of July celebrations a few days after the actual holiday. These events highlight July at Kansas state parks, but other events are planned throughout the month. Many events are educational, and all make park visits more fun. Current dry, hot, windy weather increases the danger of grassfires. Check with local park offices for information on potential burn bans that may be in place.

For more information on state park events, phone individual parks or click the "Event Calendar" on the "State Parks" page of the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) website, ksoutdoors.com. Telephone numbers of all state parks offices may be found on the KDWPT website. Click "State Parks" at the top of the page, then "Locations" in the left-hand column.

The following is a list of Kansas state park events for July:

• June 30-July 1 — individual fireworks at Lovewell State Park’s Pioneer Campground;
• July 1 — Kansas Bass Federation Dream Team Fishing Tournament at Wilson State Park;
• July 1 — Saddle Ridge Trail Riders at Hillsdale State Park;
• July 2 — Fourth of July Celebration at Crawford State Park;
• July 4 — Fourth of July Celebration at Prairie Dog State Park;
• July 7 — Bash on the Beach at Meade State Park;
• July 7 — Kanopolis Tower Harbor Marina Fireworks at Kanopolis State Park;
• July 7 —Waconda Volleyball Tournament at Glen Elder State Park;
• July 7 — volunteer trail workday at Clinton State Park;
• July 7 — vintage boat show at Kanopolis State Park;
• July 7 — Wilson Lake Area Association Boat Poker Run at Wilson State Park;
• July 7 — firework display at Wilson State Park;
• July 15 — sand castle contest at Lovewell State Park;
• July 21 — Hays Bass Anglers Association Fishing Tournament at Wilson State Park;
• July 21-22 — 2nd Annual Waconda Springs Indian Festival at Glen Elder State Park;
• July 21 — Central Kansas Yacht Club Boat Poker Run at Kanopolis State Park; and
• July 22 — Buddy Bass and Walleye Fishing Tournament at Hillsdale State Park.

CELEBRATE JULY 4 AT A KANSAS STATE PARK

CELEBRATE JULY 4 AT A KANSAS STATE PARK

State parks are perfect venue for July 4 outdoor fun, but check local regulations on fireworks

PRATT—Baseball; apple pie; red, white and blue; and state parks – what could be more American? The July Fourth Holiday weekend is a big one for Kansas’ 26 state parks. Kansans love summer outdoor fun, and it’s a time-honored tradition to celebrate our nation’s birthday outdoors with family and friends. Kansas state parks are popular because most have easy access to lakes and host a variety of other outdoor recreation opportunities. Some parks also host spectacular fireworks displays for patrons to enjoy. However, if you want to shoot your own fireworks, check the list below or call the park office first. For safety and fire risk reasons, many parks do not allow personal fireworks, and those that do have designated areas for shooting them. Below is a list of state parks with events and personal fireworks policies.

Cedar Bluff State Park will host a fireworks show on July 3. No personal fireworks allowed.

Cheney State Park: No personal fireworks allowed.

Clinton State Park: No personal fireworks allowed.

Crawford State Park will host a fireworks show along with homemade ice cream, pie, free watermelon, face painting, kids games and a live band on July 2. No personal fireworks allowed.

Cross Timbers State Park will host a fireworks show on July 2. No personal fireworks allowed.

Eisenhower State Park: No personal fireworks allowed.

El Dorado State Park: No personal fireworks allowed.

Elk City State Park: Personal fireworks are allowed only in parking lot near entrance.

Fall River State Park: No personal fireworks allowed.

Glen Elder State Park will host a public fireworks show on July 3. No personal fireworks allowed.

Hillsdale State Park: No personal fireworks allowed.

Kanopolis State Park patrons can enjoy a fireworks display at the Tower Harbor Marina on July 2. No personal fireworks allowed.

Kaw River State Park: No personal fireworks allowed.

Lovewell State Park: Personal fireworks are allowed on July 2-3 in Pioneer Playground only.

Meade State Park: No personal fireworks allowed.

Milford State Park: No personal fireworks allowed.

Mushroom Rock State Park: No personal fireworks allowed.

Perry State Park: Personal fireworks are allowed July 1-4 only in the Lakeview Boat Ramp area until 11:00 p.m. each day.

Pomona State Park will feature a band and fireworks show at the marina on July 2. No personal fireworks allowed.

Prairie Dog State Park will host a fireworks show on July 4 with watermelon feed and music beginning at 8:00 p.m. No personal fireworks allowed.

Prairie Spirit Trail State Park: No personal fireworks allowed.

Sandhills State Park: No personal fireworks allowed.

Scott State Park: No personal fireworks allowed.

Tuttle Creek State Park: No personal fireworks allowed.

Webster State Park: Personal fireworks allowed July 1-4 in designated areas only -- Townsite Beach and Goose Flats Boat Ramp.

Wilson State Park visitors can view a fireworks show sponsored by the Wilson Lake Homeowners Association from the Otoe Area on July 2. No personal fireworks allowed.

For more information on Kansas state parks and contact information for each state park office, go to www.kdwpt.state.ks.us. It’s always a good idea to call the park office before you visit to learn more about events, site availability and current conditions.