Seward rocks the 4th of July celebration

Posted by: Abigail Wood

awood@klkntv.com

Seward is Nebraska’s official Fourth of July city, and they wore that title proudly Monday with fireworks, a parade, and other holiday traditions.

"It raises the spirits of all of them around here," said long-time event coordinator Lois Kimsey. "There’s a lot of houses decorated for the 4th of July. A lot of cars are running around with flags. I think it really raises the hope and glory of the day."

The party started at 7:30 in the morning with competitions, games, live music, and hundreds of vendors. People came from all over the country. I spoke to students from UNL who say Seward’s reputation for having the best 4th celebration precedes it.

"I just like things that are really loud and sparkle, and that’s like the Fourth of July and fireworks, so that’s what I’m looking forward to the most," said student Alicia Bucci. 

And she wasn’t the only one holding her breath for the fireworks, which started at 10 PM. 

When I asked 6-year-old Sophie Minary what she was most looking forward to, her answer was simple.
 
"Mostly fireworks," she said.

For her and her older sister Savannah, Seward was an hour drive from their home in Henderson. They loved the parade and games, but were especially excited about the more than 30 food vendors who set up shop for the day.

"And the snow cones are really good and it’s like about flowers," she said.

The theme of this year’s party was "Into the Wild Blue Yonder," celebrating aviation in Nebraska and giving people a chance to see the nearby National Guard museum.