Seward, Nebraska is located just 20 miles west of Lincoln, Nebraska and is Nebraska’s Official Fourth of July City and honored by the US Congress as “America’s Fourth of July City-Small Town USA!”
The small community of 6,000 swells to almost 50,000 every year on the Fourth of July, celebrating America’s birthday in a grand celebration from morning to night. The day has events for every age group and most are free and open to the public. The celebration has been awarded Nebraska’s Festival of the Year seven times since they began the award.
The celebration began in 1868 and has been held every year since then, growing and changing with the needs and wishes of the community.
Events include a historic anvil firing at 7:30 am, prayer service, exhibits, concerts, entertainment, three free stages of activities, lectures, a food alley, crafts fair/market, miscellaneous market, grand parade, Governor’s reception, bar-b-que, water fight, pole vault contest, three-on-three basketball tourney, strong man contest, gun fight, trolley rides, band concerts and a free fireworks display.
Parking is free and there is a trolley service.
The theme this year is “Say It with Music” and each year the grand marshall is awarded the annual Nebraskan’s Friend Award. A local resident is honored with the Seward County Community Service Award. The royalty are essay winners from Grade Four-Miss Independence and Mr. Firecracker.
Seward County is located in the Blue River valley, a 20-minute drive west of Lincoln, Nebraska’s state capital.
The festival is a community wide volunteer event, with the committee leadership from the local high school youth. Visit www.julyfourthseward.com for more information, visit the Seward Chamber of Commerce or call 402-643-4189.
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