Independence Day Celebrations in Fort Scott 2022

Loretta George

2 years ago

Photo credit: National Park Service, W. Aker.

In addition to family gatherings, there are some choices for celebrating America’s independence in 2022.

Fort Scott Celebrations

The Elks Lodge No. 579 community fireworks display will be at sundown July 3, as in years past.

“The fireworks show will be 20-25 minutes long,” Millie Lipscomb said.

The best spot is near south Horton Street.

“They can be seen from many spots around the community, but since they are shot from the ball field area behind Fort Scott Community College, prime locations are the fairgrounds, the Nazarene and Community Christian Church parking lots and the college parking lots.”

No personal fireworks can be shot off in those areas, by a City of Fort Scott ordinance.

“We’ve worked with a new pyrotechnics company this year to have higher lift on the fireworks so they can be seen from further away,” she said. “We’ve worked hard to contract a company with local ties that has allowed us to keep the prices achievable, but still it is up about 100% from the past few years. We are fortunate to be able to get the quality we have contracted for.”

Burke Street Parade

The Burke Street Fourth of July Parade is in its 40th year.

The neighborhood of Burke Street has people turn out in patriotic colors and clothing to celebrate the U.S.A. Fourth of July.

Some will be in the parade, some will be sitting in their lawnchairs, enjoying the fun.

“The parade will start at 10 a.m. at 10th and Burke, on the 4th,” Margaret Humphrey, one of the organizers, said. “It started in 1982 by myself, Susan Foster and Jill Gorman.”

Merl Humphrey in the first Burke Street Parade in 1982. Submitted photo.

“This year John and Carol Hill will host the refreshments, they live on the corner of 10th and Burke,” she said. “We want people to contribute cookies to them. Please donate by July 3.”

“This year we will have some kids that live on Burke Street lead the patriotic songs under the direction of Jill Gorman,” she said.

Phil Hammonds led the patriotic singing before the Burke Street Parade until his death in 2021. Submitted photo.

“Frankie Halsey will be in charge of traffic,” she said. “Barb Albright will be in charge of distributing fliers. I am not aware of other activities.”

Please no big vehicles in the parade.

If there is lightening the event is canceled, she said.

“Children are all over the place,” Humphrey said. “So cars and trucks drive safely.”

Fort Scott National Historic Site

Celebrate American independence with history at the Fort Scott National Historic Site.

Enjoy the sights and sounds and immersion in America’s history while honoring the service men and women who have defended the United States through the growth of the nation.

Fort Scott National Historic Site will host the 35th Division Infantry Band on Wednesday, June 29, beginning at 6:30 pm. The performance will be on the bricks in front of the Post Hospital/Visitor Center. Bring your lawn chair to ensure seating. Saturday through Monday, July 2 through 4, Fort Scott NHS will have artillery demonstrations, tours, programs, and living history activities throughout the day.

Wednesday, June 29

6:30 pm – 35th Division Infantry Band performing a kaleidoscope of pops, classical, and patriotic music.

Saturday, July 2

10:00 pm – Guided Tour of the Fort

11:00 am – Artillery Demonstration

Noon – Historic Yard Games

1:00 pm – Guided Tour of the Fort

2:00 pm – Artillery Demonstration

3:00 pm – Flash Flood: Fort Scott and Westward Expansion Discussion

Sunday, July 3

10:00 pm – Guided Tour of the Fort

11:00 am – Artillery Demonstration

Noon – Tales from the Trail: Santa Fe Trader Presentation

1:00 pm – Guided Tour of the Fort

2:00 pm – Artillery Demonstration

3:00 pm – Independence Day II: Fireworks at High Tide Discussion

Monday, July 4

10:00 pm – Guided Tour of the Fort

11:00 am – Artillery Demonstration

1:00 pm – Guided Tour of the Fort

2:00 pm – Artillery Demonstration

3:00 pm – Amputations and Ambulances: Civil War Medicine Discussion