The plans have been finalized, the Fourth of July weekend is almost here, and thanks to the hard work of several local volunteers, the Twin Rivers Festival will return to Emporia after an almost 15-year hiatus.
“We’ve gotten a few more volunteers, and things are coming together,” said Matt Slater, who has spearheaded the campaign to bring back the once-popular event. “It’s not going to be huge, but we’re hoping it will be something we can build on.”
Independence Day festivities will start at 7 a.m. with a run and bike ride, both of which will begin at the All Veteran’s Memorial.
At noon, a parade will take place on Commercial Street from Fourth Avenue north to 12th Avenue. Slater said so far there are almost 20 entries for the parade, including Kansas Sen. Jim Barnett and Rob Wasinger, both candidates for U.S. Congress. Also taking part in the parade will be the Antique Auto Club, the Shriners, the Emporia Arts Council and the Lyon County Republicans.
Post-parade activities will take place at the Farmers Market parking lot at Seventh Avenue and Merchant Street. The activities, including funnel cakes, tacos from St. Catherine Catholic Church, a National Guard vehicle display and an inflatable play area, will continue throughout the afternoon.
A street dance will run from 6 to 9 p.m. in the parking lot and will include live music by local bands the Black Tuxedos and Between the Lines.
While there will be items and refreshments for sale during the day, there will be no cost to attend the festival’s events.
While the festival in past years didn’t take place on the Fourth of July, it dovetails nicely this year with the fireworks display that will start after dark at the Jones Aquatic Center. The display, put on by Bernie Toso and the Flint Hills Optimists, is made possible by a $10,000 contribution from the Lyon County Commission.
Comments
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Posted by Steve_Corbin (anonymous) on July 1, 2009 at 3:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Thanks to all who brought this together:
Matt, Evora, Becky, Victor, Casey, E.P.D., E.F.D. all the food venders and the National Guard.
Thanks to the bands who are playing and the Granada Theater.
Thanks to Bernie and the county for the fireworks display.
To all who volunteered to help out on their normal day of rest, Thanks!
Get out and ENJOY the 4th of July
Posted by Steve_Corbin (anonymous) on July 1, 2009 at 3:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
And PLEASE BE PATIENT & CURTIOUS DRIVING TO AND FROM THE FIREWORKS DISPLAY. HELP KEEP IT SAFE.
Posted by jmcmannis (anonymous) on July 1, 2009 at 4:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I unfortunately have to work that day but should get off in time for the fireworks display. Good job to all that made this possible
Posted by cheryl (anonymous) on July 1, 2009 at 7:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Let's hear it for self-initiative, for the organizers who recognized the community's need and desire for a July 4 celebration and did something about it. You guys rock.
Posted by biscuitboy (anonymous) on July 1, 2009 at 7:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The community working together to put this together speaks volumes more for Emporia and its citizens than a silly old visitors kiosk. Thank you for a darn good job.
Posted by create (anonymous) on July 1, 2009 at 7:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Thank you Matt and others who made all this possible, especially for reviving the Twin Rivers Festival. I always loved attending that and was so sad to see it fold.
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