Independence Day is a noisy holiday, and can cause added stress and anxiety to children and pets in the home. In order to “boom-proof” your house, try playing televisions and radios in different areas throughout the day and night, run box or ceiling fans, use noise-cancelling headphones and a white noise machine. Keep windows and doors closed and the air conditioner running.
Make staying in fun by preparing a red, white and blue meal together. Pinterest, Food Network and Kraft all have delicious holiday recipes. Have each member of the family pick and prepare a dish. Working together in the kitchen is a terrific memory-maker for families. You may be having such a good time you don’t even hear the noise outside.
Putting together simple musical instruments and playing them will counteract all the exterior noise and make creative play on the interior. Felt Magnet is a treasure trove of tips for DIY pros or novices. Construct some tambourines, maracas and jingle bell bracelets and have an epic dance party.
Wichita Fire Department will be handing out tickets to anyone caught shooting off illegal fireworks inside Wichita city limits. A fine of $250 will be given. The pyrotechnics sold in Wichita do not go over six feet up. When you’re lighting fireworks, don’t forget to have a running hose or large bucket of water nearby. Make sure children are always supervised by an adult. Soak used fireworks in water for at least 30 minutes before throwing them away. According to a report on the Today Show, 13,000 Americans were injured last year due to fireworks. Sparklers are the most common cause for injury.
If your family chooses to attend a large fireworks display, make sure small children have ear plugs or headphones on and hold them close, so they can be reassured by your touch.
Red, White and Boom!, Wichita’s annual Independence Day party, will be held on the Hyatt lawn downtown at 5 p.m. There will be food trucks, a beer garden, free concert and a great view of the fireworks.
Derby Fourth of July celebration begins at 7:30 a.m. with the Firecracker Run, followed by a parade at 10 a.m. beginning at Panther Stadium. Head to High Park at 7 p.m. for food, fun and games. Fireworks cap off the night at 9:30 p.m.
Goddard’s city celebration will take place on Sunday, July 1, and features live music and free food at Discovery Intermediate School, beginning at 7 p.m. The fireworks display starts at 10 p.m., followed by a free pool party.
The city of Haysville has a day-long celebration planned on July 4th. Festivities include a parade, street games, water fun, a concert and of course, fireworks. Most events are free.
El Dorado will celebrate The Fourth of July in the East Park on Wednesday, July 4th with family-friendly games, activities and lunch.
Whether your family chooses to stay in or go out during this mid-summer holiday, stay cool, be careful and have your own particular brand of fun.
