Shawnee Dispatch

The Fourth of July is nearly upon us, and for many, that means one thing: fireworks.

Other than snakes and caps, fireworks are prohibited in the city of Shawnee. But if you are looking to check out one of those dazzling displays in the night sky, there are still plenty of options throughout the Kansas City area. Here are five of them, all of which are free to attend. And even more events set for the July 4 holiday can be found at https://www.visitkc.com/visitors/events/fourth-july-events-kansas-city.

1. Bonner Blast

The city of Bonner Springs kicks off its Fourth of July celebration a little early this year, with the annual Bonner Blast fireworks display happening at 8 p.m. Thursday in downtown Bonner Springs. The event will start with an ice cream social and Little Miss and Mister Firecracker pageant at Kelly Murphy Park, 129 Elm St. Patriotic music played by Bonner's City Band will follow at 8:30 p.m. And then at 9:45 p.m., the fireworks display will begin.

2. Star Spangled Spectacular

This year marks the 25th year for the city of Overland Park's annual Star Spangled Spectacular Fourth of July celebration. The event, to be held from 4 to 11 p.m. Monday at Corporate Woods, will include music, free parking, activities for kids and a 25-minute fireworks display beginning at about 9:30 p.m. Food and beverage vendors will also be onsite. There is a rain date scheduled for Tuesday. More information is at www.opkansas.org/events/op-fourth-of-july-celebration-fireworks. Corporate Woods is located at 8717 W. 110th St., Overland Park.

3. City of Olathe Fireworks Show

This annual event will take place at 9:30 p.m. Monday at the College Boulevard Activity Complex, 11031 S. Valley Parkway, Olathe, with a rain date set for Tuesday. Don't expect a lot of bells and whistles in the form of added attractions, just a great display of fireworks. As this event generally draws high traffic volumes, spectators are encouraged to arrive early, and there are several free parking options, including at Olathe Northwest High School (21300 College Blvd.), Meadow Lane Elementary (21880 College Blvd.) and at the activity complex itself. Tailgating is permitted at Olathe school district facilities, though personal fireworks, open flames and alcohol are prohibited. More information is at www.olatheks.org/fireworks.

4. City of Leawood Fourth of July celebration

This event will kick off at 5 p.m. Monday in Leawood City Park, 10601 Lee Blvd., Leawood. Activities for youths, food vendors and live music provided by Kansas City-area cover band Flashback will all be part of the fun. Fireworks will begin at 9:45 p.m. General admission is free, but all-access ride and activity bands for youths 14 and under are $5. More information is at www.leawood.org/parks/4thofjuly.aspx.

5. Jackson County's 4th of July Celebration

Though this one may require a bit more driving time, the greater Kansas City area's annual Fourth of July celebration might be worth the trip, though expect a large crowd — last year's festival drew more than 15,000 people. The event will be held from 5:30 to 10 p.m. Monday at Longview Lake Shelter No. 13, 9890 Longview Road, Kansas City, Mo. It will include live music provided by '80s chart toppers The Romantics and local country rock band Barb Wire Revolt. Food trucks and beverage concessions will be available, as well as a free TMC Kid's Blast Zone with games and inflatables. More information is at jacksongov.org/772/July-4th-Celebration.