The 250th Anniversary of the United States is here, and activities are planned across west central Missouri to celebrate.
The list includes several community gatherings and, of course, fireworks.
To have your event added to this list, email news@sedaliademocrat.com or news@warrensburgstarjournal.com.
WARRENSBURG
Warrensburg will be putting on its first-ever Freedom Festival over the course of the weekend.
Begin the weekend with the Warrensburg Parks and Recreation Pickleball tournament at 6 p.m. Friday, July 3.
Saturday, July 4, is loaded with red, white and blue activities, beginning with the Warrensburg Farmers’ Market from 8 a.m. to noon around the Johnson County Courthouse square.
Down the road at the Depot, participate in the Freedom Fest at 8 a.m. Check-in begins at 7:30 a.m. Registration is $15.
Continue the fun downtown with Warrensburg Main Street’s Children Bike Parade from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
If a parade bike ride isn’t your choice, join the Spirit Trail Coalition for a bicycle trek east, beginning at the UCM South Recreation Complex on DD Highway.
In the afternoon, stay cool with a $4 swim at Nassif Pool, open from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Once done, head over to Grover Park for food trucks, bounce houses and an obstacle course beginning at 5 p.m.
At 6 p.m., there will be a drug dog demonstration from the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office and the Warrensburg Police Department.
At 6:45 p.m., Twister Sports will perform.
At 7:30 p.m., the colors will be presented by Troop 513 with VFW Post 2513, with the National Anthem performed by Julie Curtis. The Pledge of Allegiance will be led by Major General Lance Curtis.
Beginning at 7:30 p.m., the Warrensburg Community Band will perform, going along with a tribute to veterans of the community.
Fireworks will anchor the evening at 9:25 p.m.
If a Fourth of July at the race track is more of your fix, Central Missouri Speedway will host its annual holiday weekend race. Grandstands open at 5 p.m. Racing starts at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $20. Students with ID, military, veterans and seniors over 65 are $15. Kids 6-12 are $10. Kids 5 and under are free. Fireworks are planned after the races.
The 250th celebration will continue with the Johnson County Historical Society and the Martin Warren Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution at 4:45 p.m. July 8 at the Historic Old Courthouse, 302 N. Main St. A reading of the Declaration of Independence will begin at 5 p.m.
SEDALIA
The weekend kicks off in Sedalia with a joint celebration of the semiquincentennial and the 2026 FIFA World Cup from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, July 3, at the Pavilion, 200 S. Ohio Ave., in downtown Sedalia.
The main event of the free celebration is a watch party for FIFA World Cup Round of 32 soccer games with big-screen streaming provided courtesy of Spectrum.
It also includes a fun zone with games for children aged 5 to 10, run by the Queen City CAPS. There will be pickup three-on-three soccer games for older kids and adults and food vendors. Partygoers are encouraged to dress in red, white and blue and participate in a walking parade at 7 p.m.
The fun continues Saturday, July 4, with Sedalia’s annual traditions. The list includes the Firecracker Mile at 8 a.m. at Liberty Park. Registration begins at 7 a.m. $15 for kids, $25 for ages 13+.
The Patriotic Parade will be at 10 a.m. in downtown Sedalia. Prizes will be awarded to the most patriotic, most original and most creative float.
Head back over to Liberty Park from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for the community picnic. Free hot dogs, chips and drinks will be provided to the first 500 people. The train will be running for free rides.
Swimming at Liberty Park Pool will be half price, or free for military and veterans, for the Star Spangled Swim from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Across the parking lot, visit Liberty Park Stadium as the Sedalia Steamers host the Jefferson City Renegades at 2 p.m. The Steamers operate cashless. Tickets are $7 for general admission and $10 for reserved. Buy tickets online at sedaliasteamers.com.
Finish off your day with fireworks at the Missouri State Fairgrounds at approximately 9:30 p.m.
The Independence Day festivities continue at 5 p.m. Friday, July 10, as Sedalia Parks and Recreation hosts a Liberty Tree Planting Celebration at Convention Hall in Liberty Park. The event commemorates two significant milestones: the 115th anniversary of Convention Hall, one of Sedalia’s most treasured historic landmarks, and America’s 250th birthday celebration through the planting of a Liberty Tree. It will also feature the planting of a Liberty Tree in honor of 2nd Lt. George A. Whiteman.
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE
Whiteman Air Force Base families can get a head start to the weekend with the 250th Independence Day Celebration on Thursday, July 2, beginning at 5 p.m.
Free activities include mini golf, live music, a bounce house and a fireworks show at dusk.
Food trucks, vendors and a beer garden will also be on hand.
LEETON
The City of Leeton and Leeton Lions Club will host Red, White and Boom at the Leeton Fairgrounds. Live music from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
TIPTON
Independence Day Celebration Friday, July 3, at the Tipton City Park. Fireworks at dusk, concessions and kids' games from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
COLE CAMP
The Pullin’ for Heroes Tractor Pull will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, July 3, at the Tractor Club grounds, Highway 52 east of Cole Camp.
STOVER
Independence Day Celebration from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. July 3 at Dale Hollow Winery, 314 E First St., in Stover. Concludes with fireworks.
LINCOLN
The Lincoln 4th of July Celebration will be held at Lincoln City Park, 801 E. Main St. Baby contest at 9 a.m.; basketball at 10 a.m.; dunk tank from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.; Pickleball at 2 p.m.; kids pedal pull from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.; BBQ contest judging at 4 p.m.; cornhole tournament at 4:30 p.m.; beer garden at 5 p.m.; karaoke from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.; live music from 8 p.m. to midnight. There will be no fireworks this year.
WARSAW
Warsaw Freedom Fest on downtown Main Street. Downtown events run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on July 4. Includes a cruise-in, food trucks, vendor market, music, national anthem and old-fashioned fun.
Drake Harbor events run from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., including live music, food trucks and fireworks.
HOLDEN
The Declaration of Independence will be read at 5 p.m. July 8 on Second Street.
Holden will be celebrating the Fourth with fireworks at Spark in the Park on Saturday, July 11. Activities begin at 6 p.m., with fireworks concluding at 9:30 p.m.
HOUSTONIA
Houstonia will host its celebrations July 11 in downtown Houstonia. A parade will kick off the festivities at 3 p.m., followed by activities including a waterslide, bounce house, concessions and bingo. The day will end with a fireworks finale.
