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Fourth of July on the river
By Michael Westblade
For those of you with no vacation plans this Fourth of July weekend, you might just want to head to downtown Parkville.
Parkville’s annual Fourth of July festivities began Wednesday, July 2, with the Midland Empire Carnival in the downtown parking lot. Today and Saturday, July 3 and 5, the carnival will run from 6 to 10 p.m. and from 11 a.m to 11 p.m. Friday, July 4. Entry is free, but rides are pay as you go.
On Friday if you get up early enough, you can go to the American Legion Hall for a pancake breakfast sponsored by the Lion’s Club from 7 to 11 a.m. Tickets are $5 and $2.50 for children 10 and younger.
The main event of the day, the parade, begins at 10 a.m. on 63rd Street and Missouri Highway 9 and winds its way down to historic downtown Parkville, where, at 10:15 a.m. the Falcon Exhibition Skydiving Team will drop into English Landing Park, carrying the American flag.
The team will also make another jump at 8:30 pmM.
This year, the parade boasts 42 entrants and the parade marshal, Kevin Green, who participated on “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” when a Kansas City area family was featured. The theme for the parade is, “Goin Green on Main.”
Angelo Gangai, co-chair for the festival, said the theme was chosen to reflect the downtown area’s efforts towards an environmentally-friendly stance.
“Not green as in the color, but green as in asking all the parade entrants to stay with an environmentally-friendly theme,” he said. “I think (going green) has been an overall moniker this year. We’ve been changing out all the light bulbs downtown and the seasonal lights will be changed to compact fluorescents. We have curbside recycling and newspaper recycling, and we’re trying to emphasize all of that.”
Tom Hutsler, co-chair of the festival, said he hoped the parade entrants would follow the theme and make their entries “green.”
“I think people are very concerned about our environment and hopefully with the parade entries this year, people will go with that and help preserve our environment,” he said. “Maybe battery powered cars or even something as simple as changing a light bulb.”
The parade’s emcee this year will be Bill Grigsby.
From 7:30 to 8:30 p.m., the Parkville Community Band will play a free show on Park University’s campus and, finally, once the sun goes down, you can make your way down to English Landing Park to watch the fireworks at 9:45 p.m.
The display, Gangai said, is one of the largest in the Northland and will last more than 30 minutes.
Overall, the festival, Gangai said, will bring more than 5,000 people to the city of Parkville.
Safety tips for Independence Day:
By Michael Westblade
It’s that time of year again.
The time of year when even the most buttoned-down adults and mild-mannered kids turn into would-be pyromaniacs as they celebrate Independence Day with fireworks large and small.
But before you indulge in the usual Fourth of July festivities, here is some advice that just might keep you out of the emergency room.
According to Greg Carrell, assistant state fire marshal, to have a safe Fourth of July, residents need to remember three things:
• Alcohol and fireworks don’t mix.
• Follow the directions on fireworks packages.
• Make sure you supervise children when they handle fireworks.
“The bulk of the injuries we see are due to inattention, improper use or not supervising children using fireworks,” he said. “These three simple safety rules will keep most people from having a bad experience.”
Dangerous fireworks
For property, Carrell said rockets and parachute fireworks are the most dangerous, because they often land on roofs and cars, causing extensive property damage. For personal injury, Carroll said the most dangerous fireworks are mortar shells, because they often get tipped over or overloaded and end up shooting at onlookers.
Another Fourth of July danger, said Carrell, is amateurs using professional display fireworks or building their own homemade fireworks.
“The local neighbor may set them off with the best intentions, but they’re playing with explosives,” he said. “In our state, (homemade fireworks) are considered explosive weapons, and it could mean a felony.”
It’s always important to remember fireworks are explosives and no matter how much you’ve been around them, they can still be dangerous, even something as simple as a sparkler, said Carrell.
“Something we always thought growing up is sparklers are so safe, but if one falls on the ground and a child steps on it, it will burn them severely,” he said. “Something we consider so innocuous has the potential to cause injury.”
Fireworks rules in Parkville and Riverside
In addition to avoiding injury this Fourth of July, there are also some things you might need to know to keep the police from getting called to your house.
In Parkville, from June 20 to July 10 residents can shoot non-aerial fireworks. The use of aerial fireworks is prohibited, though they can be sold in town. If you get caught using them, Lt. John Moyer said the first time will probably result in a warning from police.
“The first time we try to warn them, but they can be cited and have to appear in court,” he said. “Most people, if you ask them not to do something, they comply. But every once in a while you find people enjoying the day a little too much and they don’t pay attention.”
Setting off fireworks in English Landing Park is also prohibited.
In Riverside, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. June 26 to July 22 residents can shoot fireworks on private property, 125 feet from any building or structure, 600 feet from a hospital, church, medical facility, asylum public school, library or day care and 300 feet from a fireworks vendor, gas station or any structure deemed flammable or water reactive. On July 3 and 4, the hours extend to 10 a.m. to midnight.
Greg Mills, chief of public safety, said Riverside police prefer to warn people for violations, but officers will issue citations if they have to.
In both communities, fireworks violations can result in a fine of up to $500 and up to 90 days in jail.
Fireworks ordinances:
Parkville
From June 20 to July 10 and from Dec. 20 to Jan. 2, Parkville residents may sell, offer for sale, expose for sale, use, possess, discharge or explode ground devices containing no more than 50 mg of explosive composition. Aerial fireworks, such as bottle rockets or mortar shells can be sold in Parkville but not used, and setting off fireworks in English Landing Park is not allowed without permission from the Board of Aldermen. Violating these rules could result in up to a $500 fine and up to 90 days in jail.
Riverside
From 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. June 26 to July 22, and on July 5, and from 10 a.m. to midnight July 3 and 4, Riverside residents may set off fireworks on private property. Residents may also set off fireworks from 10 p.m. Dec. 31. until 1 a.m. Jan. 1. Fireworks can be sold in the city of Riverside from June 20 until July 5 and from Dec. 20 until Jan. 2. In Riverside, residents cannot use bottle rockets, and fireworks may only be used 125 feet from any building or structure, 600 feet from a hospital, church, medical facility, asylum public school, library or day care, and 300 feet from a fireworks vendor, gas station or any structure deemed flammable or water reactive. Violating these rules could result in up to a $500 fine and up to 90 days in jail.
Fireworks stands:
Riverside
- Riverside Wholesale Fireworks
2500 N.W. Tullison Road(permanent building)
- Mikes Fireworks
2421 N.W. Vivion Road (permanent building)
- Fireworks Depot #1
2950 N.W. Platte Road (permanent building)
- Big Bang Fireworks
3301 Tullison Road
- Dishonest Don’s
2214 Homestead Terrace
- Fireworks Depot #2
4327 N.W. Gateway
- Happy Fourth
2401 N.W. Platte Road
- Honest John’s
4531 N.W. Gateway
- J&A Fireworks
4706 N.W. Gateway
- J&A Fireworks
2701 N.W. Platte Road
- Matthew’s Family Fireworks
4403 N.W. Gateway
- River Roll
4720 N.W. Gateway
Parkville
- Wholesale Fireworks
Missouri Highway 45 and Bell Road
Staff writer Michael Westblade can be reached at 389-6636 or michaelwestblade@npgco.com.
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Parkville’s annual Fourth of July festivities began Wednesday, July 2, with the Midland Empire Carnival in the downtown parking lot. Today and Saturday, July 3 and 5, the carnival will run from 6 to 10 p.m. and from 11 a.m to 11 p.m. Friday, July 4. Entry is free, but rides are pay as you go.
On Friday if you get up early enough, you can go to the American Legion Hall for a pancake breakfast sponsored by the Lion’s Club from 7 to 11 a.m. Tickets are $5 and $2.50 for children 10 and younger.
The main event of the day, the parade, begins at 10 a.m. on 63rd Street and Missouri Highway 9 and winds its way down to historic downtown Parkville, where, at 10:15 a.m. the Falcon Exhibition Skydiving Team will drop into English Landing Park, carrying the American flag.
The team will also make another jump at 8:30 pmM.
This year, the parade boasts 42 entrants and the parade marshal, Kevin Green, who participated on “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” when a Kansas City area family was featured. The theme for the parade is, “Goin Green on Main.”
Angelo Gangai, co-chair for the festival, said the theme was chosen to reflect the downtown area’s efforts towards an environmentally-friendly stance.
“Not green as in the color, but green as in asking all the parade entrants to stay with an environmentally-friendly theme,” he said. “I think (going green) has been an overall moniker this year. We’ve been changing out all the light bulbs downtown and the seasonal lights will be changed to compact fluorescents. We have curbside recycling and newspaper recycling, and we’re trying to emphasize all of that.”
Tom Hutsler, co-chair of the festival, said he hoped the parade entrants would follow the theme and make their entries “green.”
“I think people are very concerned about our environment and hopefully with the parade entries this year, people will go with that and help preserve our environment,” he said. “Maybe battery powered cars or even something as simple as changing a light bulb.”
The parade’s emcee this year will be Bill Grigsby.
From 7:30 to 8:30 p.m., the Parkville Community Band will play a free show on Park University’s campus and, finally, once the sun goes down, you can make your way down to English Landing Park to watch the fireworks at 9:45 p.m.
The display, Gangai said, is one of the largest in the Northland and will last more than 30 minutes.
Overall, the festival, Gangai said, will bring more than 5,000 people to the city of Parkville.
Safety tips for Independence Day:
By Michael Westblade
It’s that time of year again.
The time of year when even the most buttoned-down adults and mild-mannered kids turn into would-be pyromaniacs as they celebrate Independence Day with fireworks large and small.
But before you indulge in the usual Fourth of July festivities, here is some advice that just might keep you out of the emergency room.
According to Greg Carrell, assistant state fire marshal, to have a safe Fourth of July, residents need to remember three things:
• Alcohol and fireworks don’t mix.
• Follow the directions on fireworks packages.
• Make sure you supervise children when they handle fireworks.
“The bulk of the injuries we see are due to inattention, improper use or not supervising children using fireworks,” he said. “These three simple safety rules will keep most people from having a bad experience.”
Dangerous fireworks
For property, Carrell said rockets and parachute fireworks are the most dangerous, because they often land on roofs and cars, causing extensive property damage. For personal injury, Carroll said the most dangerous fireworks are mortar shells, because they often get tipped over or overloaded and end up shooting at onlookers.
Another Fourth of July danger, said Carrell, is amateurs using professional display fireworks or building their own homemade fireworks.
“The local neighbor may set them off with the best intentions, but they’re playing with explosives,” he said. “In our state, (homemade fireworks) are considered explosive weapons, and it could mean a felony.”
It’s always important to remember fireworks are explosives and no matter how much you’ve been around them, they can still be dangerous, even something as simple as a sparkler, said Carrell.
“Something we always thought growing up is sparklers are so safe, but if one falls on the ground and a child steps on it, it will burn them severely,” he said. “Something we consider so innocuous has the potential to cause injury.”
Fireworks rules in Parkville and Riverside
In addition to avoiding injury this Fourth of July, there are also some things you might need to know to keep the police from getting called to your house.
In Parkville, from June 20 to July 10 residents can shoot non-aerial fireworks. The use of aerial fireworks is prohibited, though they can be sold in town. If you get caught using them, Lt. John Moyer said the first time will probably result in a warning from police.
“The first time we try to warn them, but they can be cited and have to appear in court,” he said. “Most people, if you ask them not to do something, they comply. But every once in a while you find people enjoying the day a little too much and they don’t pay attention.”
Setting off fireworks in English Landing Park is also prohibited.
In Riverside, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. June 26 to July 22 residents can shoot fireworks on private property, 125 feet from any building or structure, 600 feet from a hospital, church, medical facility, asylum public school, library or day care and 300 feet from a fireworks vendor, gas station or any structure deemed flammable or water reactive. On July 3 and 4, the hours extend to 10 a.m. to midnight.
Greg Mills, chief of public safety, said Riverside police prefer to warn people for violations, but officers will issue citations if they have to.
In both communities, fireworks violations can result in a fine of up to $500 and up to 90 days in jail.
Fireworks ordinances:
Parkville
From June 20 to July 10 and from Dec. 20 to Jan. 2, Parkville residents may sell, offer for sale, expose for sale, use, possess, discharge or explode ground devices containing no more than 50 mg of explosive composition. Aerial fireworks, such as bottle rockets or mortar shells can be sold in Parkville but not used, and setting off fireworks in English Landing Park is not allowed without permission from the Board of Aldermen. Violating these rules could result in up to a $500 fine and up to 90 days in jail.
Riverside
From 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. June 26 to July 22, and on July 5, and from 10 a.m. to midnight July 3 and 4, Riverside residents may set off fireworks on private property. Residents may also set off fireworks from 10 p.m. Dec. 31. until 1 a.m. Jan. 1. Fireworks can be sold in the city of Riverside from June 20 until July 5 and from Dec. 20 until Jan. 2. In Riverside, residents cannot use bottle rockets, and fireworks may only be used 125 feet from any building or structure, 600 feet from a hospital, church, medical facility, asylum public school, library or day care, and 300 feet from a fireworks vendor, gas station or any structure deemed flammable or water reactive. Violating these rules could result in up to a $500 fine and up to 90 days in jail.
Fireworks stands:
Riverside
- Riverside Wholesale Fireworks
2500 N.W. Tullison Road(permanent building)
- Mikes Fireworks
2421 N.W. Vivion Road (permanent building)
- Fireworks Depot #1
2950 N.W. Platte Road (permanent building)
- Big Bang Fireworks
3301 Tullison Road
- Dishonest Don’s
2214 Homestead Terrace
- Fireworks Depot #2
4327 N.W. Gateway
- Happy Fourth
2401 N.W. Platte Road
- Honest John’s
4531 N.W. Gateway
- J&A Fireworks
4706 N.W. Gateway
- J&A Fireworks
2701 N.W. Platte Road
- Matthew’s Family Fireworks
4403 N.W. Gateway
- River Roll
4720 N.W. Gateway
Parkville
- Wholesale Fireworks
Missouri Highway 45 and Bell Road
Staff writer Michael Westblade can be reached at 389-6636 or michaelwestblade@npgco.com.