Welch Stadium on the Emporia State University campus will open at 8 p.m. for people who want to view the community fireworks display on Sunday, July 3. The west side of the stadium offers the best views.
Because of recent construction on both the artificial turf field and track in the stadium, the public will not be allowed outside of the stands on the west side.
The fireworks display organized by the Flint Hills Optimist Club will be shot from the soccer fields north of Interstate 35. It will begin between 9:45 and 10 p.m. on Sunday. In case of rain or lightning, the make-up date would be Monday, July 4.
For those wanting to make a celebration that evening, tailgating is available in designated areas on campus beginning at 7 p.m. These areas are the parking lot north of Milton Tennis Courts and the parking lot adjacent to the Student Recreation Center on the north end of campus.
Neither alcohol nor personal fireworks are allowed on campus. For those tailgating, special containers will be available to dispose of hot coals.
The annual city fireworks display is a cooperative effort among Flint Hills Optimist Club, Emporia Police Department, Lyon County Sheriff’s Office, Emporia Fire Department and Emporia State University.