Enjoy a patriotic concert followed by a fireworks show to celebrate the Fourth of July in Emporia.
Gates open at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 4, on the west side of Welch Stadium on the Emporia State University campus. The Emporia Municipal Band presents its Salute to America concert from 8 to 9 p.m. followed by the city fireworks display beginning between 9:45 and 10 p.m.
Seating for both events is available in the west side chairs and bleachers or on blankets on the football field. Chairs of any kind, along with sunflower seeds and gum are prohibited on Jones Field and Witten Track to help preserve the playing surface.
Outside the stadium, viewing for the fireworks is also available on the ESU practice fields on the north end of campus. (The nearby soccer pitch will be closed to the public.)
The fireworks display, shot from the soccer fields north of Interstate 35, lasts approximately 20 to 30 minutes.
Parking is available across campus. The two parking lots across Highland Street from the art annex are available for handicapped parking and viewing. To view a map of parking for the event, go to emporia.link/fireworks.
For those wanting to make a longer celebration that evening, tailgating is available in ESU parking lots beginning at 7 p.m. Neither alcohol nor personal fireworks are allowed on campus. Special containers will be available to dispose of hot coals.