BOOM GOES THE DYNAMITE

On this date in 1776, the powdered-wig-wearing Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, and our new country immediately launched all of its Patriot missiles and blew up King George III’s Panzer divisions. Therefore, in true apple-pie-spangled style, we mark the founding of our nation via explosions in the sky — preferably synchronized to the stirring, amplified strains of Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the U.S.A.” Bald-eagle-eyed Kansas Citians will notice multiple fireworks displays along the horizon after sunset, but here’s a roundup of specific metro locations over which tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of explosive pyrotechnics will be detonated for your amusement.• The Corporate Woods Star-Spangled Spectacular (9711 West 109th Street, Overland Park) includes multiple events, music performances and food from 4 to 11 p.m.• The Parkville July 4th Festival in historic downtown Parkville began Wednesday and continues through Saturday. It includes a carnival and a parade; tonight’s fireworks display begins at 9:45 p.m. Call 816-505-2227 for directions.• KCRiverFest celebrates Kansas City’s grimy industrial riverfront at Berkley Park (Grand Avenue Viaduct). It began Thursday and includes food, music, live entertainment and a spectacular fireworks display over the Missouri river tonight at 10. Tickets cost $5 for adults; kids get in free.• The Shawnee Mission Park Fireworks Extravaganza (7900 Renner Road, Shawnee) is big and generous — like a big, generous American cowboy holding a fruit basket full of free ammunition just for you. Arrive early and find a favorite spot; the show begins at 9:45 p.m.• If you didn’t get your fill of fireworks today, Booms & Blooms at Powell Gardens (1609 Northwest U.S. Highway 50, Kingsville, 816-697-2600) on Saturday includes a 7:30 p.m. performance by the Lee’s Summit Symphony, with fireworks at dusk. Tickets cost $9 for adults and $3 for children.

Fri., July 4, 2008