Mother Nature Moves Sedalia 4th of July Celebration to Friday

Sedalia Parks & Recreation announced this morning that they are moving their 4th of July celebration to Friday, July 5, in anticipation of unfavorable weather tomorrow.

The National Weather Service's forecast for tomorrow calls for storms around daybreak, then showers and storms all morning, and a 40% chance of storms tomorrow night. Our forecast from Weatherology is in agreement with the National Weather Service forecast.

In light of the forecast and a full day of 4th of July events scheduled, including the Firecracker Mile, parade, picnic in the park, and half-price swimming at Liberty Pool, Sedalia Parks & Recreation in conjunction with the Sedalia Police, Fire, and Public Works departments decided to reschedule all of the 4th of July events for Friday, July 5.

The following is the event schedule for Friday, July 5, 2024:

• Firecracker Mile: 7:00 AM CDT Registration / 8:00 AM CDT Run
• Downtown Sedalia Parade: 10:00 AM CDT
• Free Picnic in Liberty Park: 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM CDT
• Star Spangled Swimming At Liberty Pool: Half-price swimming is available for all, and free swimming is available for the military and veterans.
• Missouri State Fairgrounds Fireworks: 9:30 PM CDT

Yesterday, the Higginsville Chamber of Commerce announced on Facebook that they have also canceled their 4th of July Fireworks show due to tomorrow's forecast. The Higginsville Lion's Club organizes, sets up, and detonates the fireworks says the company they buy them from will hold and store them until next year. Additionally, the Facebook post reports most folks who donated to the fireworks show are graciously rolling over their donation to 2025. Higginsville will host a "Party in the Park" on Sunday, July 14, with the town's 4th of July entertainment, youth activities, and concessions.

As of this writing, Lee's Summit is monitoring the weather and is still planning on holding its Legacy Blast 2024 fireworks show tonight, Wednesday, July 3. Gates open at 6:00 PM CDT, with fireworks beginning at 9:30 PM. Monitor the Lee's Summit Facebook page for updates and confirmation that the show will go on tonight. The rain date for Legacy Blast is Friday, July 5.

Today's Red, White, and Blue Springs celebration is scheduled for later and is still on. Events start at 3:00 PM CDT, with Fireworks at 9:30 PM CDT. More details can be found on the City of Blue Springs Facebook Page.

Tomorrow's Stars and Stripes Picnic in Kansas City at The National WW1 Museum and Memorial is still on for tomorrow. Grounds open at 3:00 PM, and the free event is billed as rain or shine.

The Royals are having fireworks after tonight's and tomorrow's games, and the first pitch is at 7:10 PM CDT each night at Kauffman Stadium.

Regardless of what fireworks show you plan to attend, I would advise keeping an eye on the forecast, dressing appropriately, and checking with the event or organization putting on the show to ensure it will still happen as planned.