Did you know that although America’s birthday is July 4, 1776 it wasn’t until 1870 that July 4th has been recognized as a federal holiday? And federal workers didn’t start receiving holiday pay until 70 years later in 1941.

Every year in the US, we celebrate or independence from Great Britain with parades, festivals, barbecues, fireworks and picnics. Since the fourth of July is a federal holiday a lot of people are off work that day and celebrations start in the early morning and go until late at night when the fireworks begin.

And this year is no different with the annual Spirit of Kansas!

The Topeka Spirit of Kansas Festival is an old-fashioned 4th of July celebration held at Lake Shawnee from l0:00 am to dark with arts and craft vendors, a car show, food, free children activities, entertainment, sporting events, and televised fireworks July 4 at 10:00 p.m. In the evening there will be a water-ski show.

Admission is FREE to families!

Happy 4th of July!