Fourth of July in Stilwell, Kansas
Join us for our annual 4th of July Parade and Fireworks!
250 Years of courage, community and country
Parade Registration
Did you know that anyone can be in the Stilwell Parade? Stilwell is in the unincorporated area of Johnson County and outside any City limits. We have had kids walking sheep and riding their decorated bikes.
5 pm - Parade Line Up (192nd Street)
Registration helps us plan the number of parade entries. Please register if you will be joining us in the parade. There is no fee unless you are running for an elected office. Those running for elected office are expected to donate $200 in support of the costs for the day's events.
6 pm - Stilwell Community Parade
(192nd Street; South on Metcalf; East on 199th ending at the railroad tracks). The judges' stand is across the street from the Stilwell Elementary School. At the end of the parade, participants will continue to travel east on 199th Street or turn left and head north (gravel road) to return to the beginning of the parade route.
Theme: 250 Years of Courage, Community, and Country
2026 marks the 53rd 4th of July Parade in Stilwell. Judging is based on four (4) categories that demonstrate clear, recognizable references to the 250‑year milestone and the three pillars: courage (e.g., heroes, first responders, veterans), community (e.g., local groups, neighbors helping neighbors), and country (e.g., patriotic symbols, flags, historical vignettes). The four (4) categories include Grand Champion, First Place, Second Place, and Third Place. Stilwell also has a "BEST IN SHOW" for best kids-only entry. The kids' only entries are those done by "KIDS ONLY" with no adult help.
LIVE MUSIC by Pompous Jack
7 pm - Stilwell Station Stage
Following the parade (7pm), Pompus Jack will perform at Stilwell Station Stage. Pompous Jack's style roots from the 1980s LA Rock Scene, which they incorporate elements of blues, pop rock & southern rock along with their own signature infectious and amped up style. Pompous Jack embodies the sound of the 80s, playing hits from AC/DC, Poison, KISS, Joan Jett, Bon Jovi, Motley Crue, and many others! They also put their own style and groove onto songs by Elvis, Johnny Cash, Charlie Daniels, and Dr. Hook.
Dining in Stilwell on the 4th of July
The following vendors will be joining us in Stilwell on the 4th of July. Food trucks and vendors often require a guaranteed minimum to participate in community events. Stilwell does not offer a guarantee and does not fund any event minimums, meaning those Food Trucks and vendors joining us in Stilwell are doing so because of their support for the community, not because we contracted for them to be here.
Fireworks Display
The display is scheduled to launch at 9:30 pm. Depending on the weather, the display can launch as early at 9:00 pm but no later than 10:00 pm.
This year's Grand Finale of our Fireworks display will include the launch of 250 firework shells to honor our 250 years of American Independence.
In 2026, Wald Fireworks Company celebrates 32 consecutive years of launching fireworks in Stilwell. The display is still launched manually and has been led for the past 25 years by longtime community supporter Cliff Roberts. This year’s show will open with a simultaneous launch of 32 fireworks shells in tribute to Wald Fireworks Co.
9:30 pm - Evergy Service Center Field
All fireworks are aerial and can be seen from the surrounding area. There are no ground displays at Evergy Center Field. Feel free to bring a picnic dinner for you and your family.
You can reserve your family's spot on the field ahead of time with a donation to the Stilwell Community Organization. Submit a request and learn more.
Sponsorships
Family Trusts, Businesses, and Organizational donations support the community and our 4th of July bands and events. Learn more about Sponsorship Benefits!
Our Sponsors
