Uniontown fireworks display evolves from fundraiser into town celebration

UNIONTOWN -- The nighttime sky above the newly-renovated Uniontown City Park will once again be ablaze during a fireworks display on Friday, July 2, to celebrate Independence Day.

The fifth annual Independence Day Bash, scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. Friday, July 2, is a popular local event that includes food and refreshments, games and activities for youth, and an evening fireworks display. The event will begin with free food available to attendees and a variety of games and activities for kids up to 11 years of age.

Until 2009, part of the event's purpose was to raise money for the Uniontown Park Improvement Fund that helped pay for several improvements and renovation projects at the city park. With the park beautification project now complete, organizers of the event are now focusing on turning the event into more of a community-wide celebration than a fundraiser.

"It's become kind of a nice community celebration ... a Fourth of July tradition that we enjoy and I hope everyone else does, too," event co-organizer Bryan Holt said.

Money raised at previous events has helped pay for park improvements such as new curbs and gutters, new playground equipment, a new gazebo and bandstand, new trees, two new shelter houses, new sidewalks and a flagpole, new limestone fence posts, and a stone veterans memorial. Money to help fund park projects has been generated through several fundraisers, grants and other assistance in recent years. The City of Uniontown, Bourbon County, and many local volunteers provided assistance in completing the projects.

Union State Bank has sponsored the Independence Day Bash each year since its inception.

"What started out as a few people getting together to raise money to make park improvements has turned into a nice community event," Union State Bank President Kenny Holt said. "We are excited about hosting this event because so many people in our community have worked together to make some really nice improvements to the park. We look forward to showcasing their hard work."

Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets and good conversation. While there is no charge to attend the event, free will offerings will be accepted with proceeds going toward future park improvements, according to a statement from organizers.

"At past years' events, the park has come to life with family, friends and neighbors in what feels like the biggest backyard party in Kansas," Uniontown resident Tina Rockhold said.

The evening will culminate with a fireworks display that is prepared, handled and supervised by a group of local volunteers, and is expected to last more than 30 minutes.