Downtown daytime activities added
Typically, an Independence Day celebration by the City of Platte City consists only of a fireworks show at dark.
This year is different.
Because of the pandemic that limited public gatherings over the past 15 months or so, city officials are putting a little more into the Fourth of July celebration this year, both in the form of budget and in activities.
Sure, the fireworks display will happen at dark. After several years of being held at Platte Ridge Park, the fireworks display will be based at the Platte County R-3 School District complex this year.
What makes this year different is the addition of an eventful daytime celebration in downtown Platte City. So this year, on Sunday, July 4, the city will be providing free food, live music and a host of family-friendly activities from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Main Street.
Activities will include a mega inflatable obstacle course, bounce house, balloon art, caricature sketches, face painting, a dunk tank featuring familiar local faces as “targets,” and much more.
“It’s been a very tough year, ” Mayor Tony Paolillo remarked. “This is a way for the community to come together and celebrate America with a free event including food, live music, and family activities.”
A shuttle service will be available those who don’t want to park downtown, where parking is somewhat limited. The shuttle will run back and forth from the main entrance of the Platte County High School and Main Street. Hours for the shuttle are from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
As for the fireworks display, it will happen after dark, typically around 9:45 or 10 p.m.
The fireworks will be shot off at the Platte County R-3 School District complex but stadium seating will not be available, due to construction taking place at the high school.
Of course the fireworks will be visible for a great distance, there are many optional viewing locations. Some of the more closer, more popular viewing locations might be Hillcrest Thrift Shop, Platte Valley Park, the Mid-Continent-Library parking lot, the YMCA parking lot, Price Chopper, Platte County High School parking area, Platte City Middle School parking areas, as well as parking lots at Siegrist Elementary School and Compass Elementary School.