Wamego has long been known for having one of the biggest and best Fourth of July fireworks shows in the state, but this year we’re making the show even better. How could it get any better many ask? Well, for 2014 the PYRO Crew has taken the 2013 show framework and amped it up significantly with a doubling of the largest aerial shells, 216 new special effect shots, additional new surprises, added levels of artistry and a much tighter integration to their musical soundtrack.  

Get ready for a ride in 2014 like no other. Join us to see why it has been voted as the best public display in Kansas and people travel from all over the country to see it.... simply stated, prepare to be amazed.

What time should I get to Wamego?

Independence Day is a full day affair in Wamego. Organized activities begin at 9:00 a.m. with car and tractor shows, ice cream socials, and other events. The carnival will be in town to add thrills and fun for the entire family at city park. The parade, one of the longest continuously held parades in the state, starts at 6:00pm. For a full schedule of events, go to visitWamego.com.

What time should I arrive for fireworks?

We recommend heading to the Recreation Complex area before the parade and finding your spot. Take a short walk to main street to enjoy the parade, then stroll back to the complex leisurely for the show. Relax, enjoy the sunset and the musical entertainment provided before the fireworks begin. At the very latest, plan on being on-site by 8pm, though it’s much easier to find a place to park earlier. Any later than 9pm and you could miss some of the show while you’re looking for a parking spot. The show starts at 10:00pm so you’ll want to be set up and ready early to OooooOOO and AhhhhHHHH from the first colorful explosion.

Where is the best place to watch the show?

That’s a tough question, since the show is visible for miles and everyone believes their favorite spot is the best. This year wherever you are, tune your radio to B104.7 FM and enjoy an enhanced experience listening to the show soundtrack courtesy of Hot Country B104.7. But one thing is for sure, the view at the recreation complex is simply spectacular! Those who make the journey are richly rewarded and have never regretted the decision, or the effort. Within the complex your view is 3D of fireworks launching and sequencing around the ball diamonds in a true 360 degree experience from more than 60 discreet shoot sites throughout the display. An unobstructed view provides the most exciting experience of all the action. You can actually feel the percussion and thunder from the fireworks and you will be treated to thousands of low level special effect shells choreographed to the music that will not be as visible too far away from the complex. See everything from the sparks at launch to the colorful bursts filling the sky hundreds of feet above you. 

The show is staged so the East side of the complex is technically the front, however the view can be equally spectacular from the West side as well. The North and South sides do not provide the same depth and perspective as viewing from the East and West so we strongly suggest heading to the soccer fields and settling in for one of the best displays of your life. Most years the North side is the worst location to choose because the wind is generally from the south, pushing thick and obscuring smoke into your field of view. Be sure to check the wind direction before choosing your spot and remember you do not want to be downwind from where the fireworks are shot. 

No matter what spot you choose, you won’t forget being there for this one-of-a-kind pyrotechnic display!

Musical entertainment

Ft. Riley has again joined forces with us to provide entertainment at the Recreation Complex immediately following the parade up to the start of the fireworks.

Four musical groups from Ft. Riley will help entertain and celebrate as we prepare for the Finale that Never Ends, the annual Wamego fireworks display. 

The groups include their brass quintet, a jazz combo, a rock/country band to mix it up and Ft. Riley’s Ceremonial Band, a mainstay, especially at an event where we celebrate the freedoms that we enjoy in this great country. Perfect additions to not only entertain you, but to help us set the stage for a magical evening of celebrating how proud we are to stand together as Americans.

How long is the show?

The show lasts 30 minutes and 29 seconds. Most people say it is like a non-stop finale, so get ready to be dazzled and amazed with sky saturating action and lots of noise!

What should I bring?

• radio and/ or earphones tuned to Hot Country B104.7 FM for the soundtrack (A MUST!) 
• coolers (no alcohol on city property)
• blankets – and a waterproof tarp to keep the blanket dry
• lawn chairs
• Frisbee
• picnic basket
• bug spray
• ear plugs for sensitive ears (get ready for lots of loud boomers and crackling shells!)

Where do I park?

Parking spots (including handicapped parking) fill up quickly, so come early! We just can’t emphasize that enough. There is limited parking at the recreation complex and several large lots nearby - see map. Once the lots are full, parking is available along city streets, but you may have to walk a few blocks, but it is worth the effort. Download the Wamego 4th of July map here.

Satellite Parking

FREE Satellite Parking will be available from 4:00-9:00 p.m. from the Wamego High School Sports Complex/High School Football field parking lot (Intersection of US Hwy 24 & Columbian Road) to the Wamego Recreation Complex, site of the fireworks display. Busses will return passengers to their vehicles at the conclusion of the Fireworks display. Please plan to arrive early as we anticipate this lot to fill quickly. This drop-off location is also an easy ?10 minute walk to the parade route which begins at 6pm, so you can enjoy both events. See the event map for more information.

A note about handicapped parking: We provide more handicapped parking than is required by ADA regulations, but there is still a shortage of handicapped parking spaces. Again, we recommend arriving early and are sorry we cannot accommodate everyone's needs. If you want to guarantee yourself a reserved spot in the complex join the show sponsors.

RAINDATE:

Any changes to the July 4th show will be sent via Twitter, @wamegofireworks, posted on this site and on our Facebook page. Like us on Facebook! Follow @wamegofireworks on Twitter for insider info from the crew! If a rain date is needed, it will be Saturday July 5th.