Are you ready for the Fourth? Independence Day is coming up next Monday, July 4. There are plenty of ways to celebrate America’s independence throughout Johnson County, including events and activities organized by local cities and municipalities.

County offices will be closed on Monday, July 4 in observance of this federal holiday. County parks will remain open during normal hours. However, Shawnee Mission Park beach will close at 4 p.m., and the Shawnee Mission Park Marina will close early (last rentals from 2:30-3:30 p.m.). Kill Creek Marina will be closed.

Please celebrate the Fourth of July safely: wear plenty of sunscreen, watch over your grill, and do not drink and drive. Learn how you can celebrate with these events in cities across the county.

De Soto

De Soto’s 4th of July Celebration at Riverfest Park is set for July 4 from 7-10:30 p.m. The event begins at 7 p.m. with vendors and a band, with the fireworks show following at 9:45 p.m.

Edgerton

The annual Community Picnic and Fireworks Show returns to Edgerton this Independence Day. The July 4 event takes place at Martin Creek Park from 5-10:30 p.m., with a picnic starting at 6 p.m. and fireworks around 9:45 p.m.

Fairway/Roeland Park/Westwood

Provided by the cities of Fairway, Roeland Park and Westwood, a free fireworks display takes place on July 3 at dusk at Bishop Miege High School in northeast Johnson County.

Gardner

Fan of country music? The City of Gardner’s Independence Day Festival will feature three notable country artists: Niko Moon, After Midtown and Blane Howard.

The event is free and begins at 3 p.m. on July 4 at Celebration Park. Food and activities will be available, and fireworks will follow the end of the concert at 10 p.m.

Lenexa

The City of Lenexa’s Independence Day celebration kicks off first thing in the morning with the Lenexa Freedom Run. The 5K/10K starts at 7 a.m. and is open to runners and walkers alike.

Later in the morning, Lenexa is hosting two parades. The Community Days Parade starts at 10 a.m. in Old Town Lenexa. This year’s theme is “Good Ol’ Summertime.” The Lenexa Public Market’s Paw-triotic Pet Parade follows at 11 a.m., with activities including pet-themed pop-up vendors beginning at 9 a.m.

Leawood

The City of Leawood is hosting the Leawood City Park Celebration on July 4 from 6-9:30 p.m. at Leawood City Park. The event will feature live music, inflatables, food trucks and more, and will be capped off with a fireworks show at the end of the night.

Merriam

The City of Merriam’s week-long Flags 4 Freedom engagement returns this July. The public will be able to view American flags decorating Downtown Merriam along Merriam and Johnson Drive from July 2-9. July 4 will act as a Day of Reflection.

Mission Woods

Mission Woods is hosting its July 4th Celebration on July 4 from 9:30-11 a.m. Taking place at Mission Woods Road and Terrace, the event will feature entertainment, balloon artists an ice cream truck and more.

Olathe

Several Fourth of July festivities are taking place in Olathe this year. An Independence Day Celebration at Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm is set for Saturday, July 2 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The event features a reading of the Declaration of Independence, Vintage Base Ball, root beer floats and more.

On the Fourth of July, you can attend Beach Fest at the Lake Olathe Swim Beach & Marina from noon-2:30 p.m. Admission includes open swim, boat rentals and more. The City of Olathe’s Fireworks Show will follow that night at the College Boulevard Activity Center, beginning at approximately 9:45 p.m.

Overland Park

The City of Overland Park is hosting its annual Star Spangled Spectacular at Corporate Woods Founders Park. The Fourth of July event starts at 6 p.m. and will include concerts, food trucks and a fireworks show at approximately 9:45 p.m.

Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead is also putting on its own Fourth of July celebration with its Independence Day at the Farm. Fun at the farm includes old-fashioned games and activities, as well as a bike parade. The event runs from 9 a.m.-noon on July 4.

Prairie Village

On the morning of July 4, the City of Prairie Village invites residents to its VillageFest at the Municipal Campus (near 77th and Mission). A pancake breakfast will run from 7:30-11 a.m. at the Harmon Park Pavilion for a cost of $5 per plate. Other activities include children’s activities on the campus and free swimming all afternoon at the Prairie Village Pool.