Rotary questions
Who is responsible for the July 4th Star Spangled Spectacular?  

The Star Spangled Spectacular is a collaborative effort between the Overland Park Rotary Club (organizes the event and raises the money), the City of Overland Park (provides fireworks, police and fire department support), and Corporate Woods (who provides the space and electricity for the event).  

How does Rotary raise money for charity?  

The July 4th Star Spangled Spectacular is the primary fund-raiser for the Overland Park Rotary Club.  Most of the money raised for July 4th is raised through sponsors for the event, coupled with money made at the beverage tents and any contributions received that day.  

Admission
Is there an admission charge?  There is no admission charge.  

Programs
Where can I get an event program? From one of the Rotary volunteers wearing a blue Rotary apron or at the Rotary Headquarters/Tent near the main stage.  

About the Star Spangled Spectacular
How many people attend this event?  Historically, between 40,000 - 50,000 people.  

What time will the fireworks display occur?  Approximately 9:30 p.m. or when sufficiently dark, and they last for about 30 minutes.

Fireworks Choreographed to Music
How can I listen to the music that accompanies the fireworks?   Radio station Q-104 (FM) broadcasts live from Founder's Park throughout the afternoon and evening.  Throughout the fireworks display, the presentation is choreographed to music that is broadcast simultaneously at 104.3 FM.

Food and Beverages
Will there be food and beverages available?  Yes, a variety of food and beverage vendors will be on site with items ranging from ice cream and frozen treats to bar-b-que, hamburgers and french fries.

People cannot bring their own alcoholic beverages.  The Rotary tents sell beer, soft drinks and water.  This is one of the ways that Rotary raises money for local charities.   

Activities
Will there be any activities for children?  Yes, there will be special activities for children for a nominal ticket price.  All proceeds go to charities.  

Parking
Can I reserve a spot in the park for my family? The only way to reserve a spot is to arrive at Corporate Woods early and "stake out" a place. 

Is there a charge for parking, and is there enough parking space? Parking is free, but you may have to walk a bit.  A limited amount of handicapped parking is also reserved.  Click here for link to a map.

How difficult is traffic getting in and out of the site?  Traffic entering the site for the event becomes heaviest between 6:00 and 8:00 p.m.  The Overland Park police have an excellent plan for moving cars out of Corporate Woods following the fireworks, although you may only be able to exit in a particular direction.  Typically 90% of the spectators are out of Corporate Woods within 45 minutes after the fireworks end.

General Questions
If I have questions when I arrive, where should I go?   There is a Star Spangled Spectacular Central - Rotary Headquarters/Tent near the main stage in Founders Park. The tent will have banners that identify Rotary.

Medical Services
Are there emergency medical services at the event, and where are they located?   Yes, the Overland Park Fire Department and trained emergency personnel are on site, and easily visible, throughout the park during the afternoon and evening.

Lost and Found
Where is Lost & Found?  At the Rotary Headquarters/Tent near the main stage in Founders Park.  

Weather
What happens if the weather is bad? Generally a decision will be made by 5:00 p.m. about whether the wind or rain or other weather conditions will cause the fireworks to be postponed.  The rain date is July 5 at 9:30 p.m. However, no vendors will be available on the rain date. More information will be posted on www.starspangledspectacular.org.

Acceptable Items to Bring
What am I allowed to bring to the event?  Any item legally permitted in an Overland Park public park is permitted at the event.  You should feel free to bring your own coolers, food, beverages, games, blankets, lawn chairs and cameras.  Please remember sunscreen! 

What am I not permitted to bring? The following items are not allowed: Alcoholic beverages, propane grills, charcoal grills, tents, fireworks, weapons of any kind.

Contributions
Where can I make a contribution to the event?   Rotary will be collecting money for Joplin Relief at this year's event. You can donate at the Rotary Headquarters Tent or at any of the Rotary beverage tents.

Pets
Are pets allowed? Pets are allowed and must be kept on leashes.  When thinking about bringing a pet, please consider your pets' sensitivity to very loud noises as the fireworks may frighten them.

Veterans
I'm a veteran. Can I have dinner at the veterans' tent?  There are more than 200,000 veterans in the metropolitan area of Kansas City.  Each year, invitations are sent to veterans selected randomly by ZIP code.  Credentials are required for access to the veterans area.

Bathrooms
What about bathroom facilities? Portable restrooms, including those accessible to the handicapped, will be on site within reasonable walking distance.

Sponsorship/Vendor
How can I become a sponsor or vendor for the event?  Contact Overland Park Rotary Star Spangled Spectacular Event Chair at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it