Pleasanton's Independence celebration set for Saturday

Uncle Sam and the U.S. eagle try to keep it cool during last year's Independence celebration. (Journal file photo)

By Roger Sims, rsims@linncountyjournal.com

Hotter midsummer weather in the past few years has forced organizers of traditional community events to rethink the schedules they have stuck to for, in some cases, decades.

La Cygne has transitioned to a late afternoon and evening schedule for their Blast in the Park. Mound City has also shortened Jayhawk Blast to a late afternoon and evening affair even though it won't take place this year until September.

On Saturday, the city of Pleasanton will host a condensed event, running from 3 p.m. to dark, or about 9 p.m. However, there will be more activities within the seven hour window.

Like Independence Day celebrations of the past, Saturday's celebration will begin with a parade and include a kid's wagon parade. Vendors, including free face painting and hair coloring, will open their kiosks on Main Street.

Team games will begin at 5:30 p.m., and a community picnic will begin at 6 p.m. The city will provide meat, drinks, and table service and is asking diners to bring a covered dish to share. Princess Liberty and Prince Freedom contestants will be crowned.

A street dance will take place from 8 p.m. to midnight on Main Street.

Some of the changes this year include contests for cooks and canners including a pickle contest, a salsa contest and a pie contest.

The talent show begins at the Pleasanton Community Center at 5 p.m. A foam party for kids south of the community center will run from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

The city pool will be open for Free Swim Day from noon to 6 p.m.

The Pleasanton schools will be open in conjunction with the alumni reunion. A social hour for alumni begins at 4:30 p.m. followed by the alumni dinner.

Finally, at 9:30 p.m. the fireworks start over Stegge Lake.

Be sure to go to our special event page for more information on the event.