Parkville Considers Riverside for 4th of July

Once in jeopardy of cancellation, Parkville’s annual Fourth of July Celebration may take place in Riverside due to anticipated flood waters in English Landing and surrounding areas.

Carol Kuhns, who serves as chair of the downtown community group, Main Street Parkville Association (MSPA), told the board of aldermen on Tuesday night that Riverside has agreed to host the event which draws thousands of visitors to the town each year.

Alderman Nan McManus was the first to question the decision to hold the event outside of Parkville.

"Sales tax captured in Riverside will stay in Riverside," said McManus. "Any resulting business from thousands of people visiting Riverside, will stay in Riverside. I'm having a hard time with that."

When asked by Alderman Jim Werner if Riverside would share in the $10,000 cost of fireworks, Kuhns responded that finances had not been discussed at this point. Kuhns did say that a $4,000 deposit had already been made.

Current plans have the fireworks display to be held in Riverside’s Horizons Parkway, the carnival at Park Hill South, and the parade route from the Parkville Commons through a portion of downtown.

Approval from Riverside and Park Hill School District has been granted and a meeting of MSPA committee chairs will make a final decision, likely this week.

The fate of other festivals, including the 43rd Annual Parkville Days Riverfest which is held in August, is still unclear.