University Daily Kansan / Wednesday, July 3, 1991
9
Veterans will sponsor parade on Fourth
By Cathy Garrard
Kansan staff writer
Although the traditional Lawrence Independence Days are canceled this year, other locally sponsored activities are planned for the Fourth of July.
David Longhurst, chairperson of the Independence Days board of directors, said the festival lost money last year and had to be canceled this summer.
The Independence Days festival was a three-day community event that, for the past nine years, celebrated Lawrence's history and heritage. But this year, a veterans' parade and a fireworks display are scheduled.
"Attendance was down last year for a variety of reasons," Longhurst said. "The Fourth of July was on a Wednesday, which is the worst possible day for a holiday. We tried to tie it in to a weekend, but it was a long span to maintain interest."
Judy Billings, director of the convention and visitors bureau at the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce, said she thought the community would feel the loss of the festival.
"I'm sad that Independence Days are canceled," Billings said. "It was a way to identify with the community. Many families created their reunions around it, and the high school also planned their reunions around it. It gave them something to do."
Billings said she was pleased local civic organizations were organizing other events
"People invited their families into town, instead of going out of town. I think the trend is now going to go back the other way."
"The fireworks show, put on by the
LaTeX team, has always been a tradition."
"Billing is."
Rick Bellinger, chairperson of the fireworks display, said this would be the Jaycees' 35th year of putting on the display.
The event is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. tomorrow at Burcham Park, Second and Indiana streets, along the Kaw River. Concession stands are available, and a country
and-western band, Prairie Fire, will play.
The fireworks will begin about 9:30 p.m.
Admission is $3 for adults, and children under 12 get in free.
Before the fireworks show, the United Veterans Organization of Douglas County for the first time is sponsoring a parade through downtown Lawrence.
The parade begins at 8:30 a.m. tomorrow at Seventh and Kentucky streets. It contains more than 50 entries and will end at South Park. 13th and Massachusetts streets.
Richard Miller, coordinator of the parade, said, "We are dedicating this parade to the Persian Gulf veterans, but all veterans are participating in the parade." Miller said.
State workers to get day off
Kansan staff report
In honor of the troops who served in the Persian Gulf War, Gov Joan Finney has granted state employees, including about 1,800 KU employees, a four-day weekend.
In addition to July 4, which state employees have off, classified employees also will hold interviews.
“It's not a holiday for unclassified employees," said Bent Tillman, University comptroller. "They'll either be required to work or take a paid holiday. We will have a skeleton crew to accommodate the students."
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