WOOD: Weekend of fun, fireworks

By AMBER WOOD, What's Going On

“That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.”

— Declaration of Independence

This weekend marks the United States’ 233rd year of independence and it will be celebrated joyously. Break out the red, white and blue everything — plates, napkins, T-shirts, dog collars — and get decked out for a good time.

If you’re heading to the lake, you’re probably packing up the coolers and filling bags with sun tan lotion, a bathing suit and some shorts. Don’t forget the homemade potato salad and round up the kids. Fun in the sun can seem a long way when you’re pre-packing everything, but the fun will come soon.

There are lots of lakes near Franklin County that can be contacted about any fishing, boating or general lake information for this weekend. Here are three: Clinton Lake, (785) 843-7665; Pomona Lake, (785) 453-2201; and Hillsdale Lake, (913) 783-4507.

If you’re staying at home this weekend, stop in at the Farmers Market Saturday morning and pick up some great produce. Then invite the family over for a Fourth of July picnic. Home or away, the objective this weekend is fun, family and maybe remembering just what happened those 233 years ago.

The Franklin County Historical Society will have a new annual event called “Glorious Fourth” 8 a.m. Saturday at the Dietrich Cabin in City Park, Fifth and Main streets.

The program will be closely based on historical records of territorial Kansas Fourth of July events. It will begin with a blast of cannon fire followed by the Declaration of Independence, read by a group of notable Franklin Countians. A pioneer breakfast of corn cakes and syrup will be served with coffee and cider. Black power marksmen will stage a “turkey shoot” and music will be played.

The Dietrich Cabin’s 150th birthday will be part of this celebration. Christmas ornaments commemorating the anniversary will be available to order Saturday as well. For more information, contact Deborah Barker at (785) 242.1232.

This weekend also marks the time when we all seem to be fascinated with sparklers, cones and those big ones that make a pretty sight for about three seconds. Yes, I mean fireworks. And this weekend there will be a show. Many watch the night sky light with bright colors from Orlis Cox Sports Complex, K-68 and Beech Street, or Forest Park beginning when it’s dark, around 9:30 p.m.

Princeton United Methodist Church is celebrating their 100-year anniversary in their new building July 11, 2009. Come from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for an old-fashioned block party with free hot dogs, games and family fun. Please contact Dorothy Wilck, at (785) 937-2516, for more information.

Amber Wood is marketing and events director of the Franklin County Convention and Visitors Bureau.