Fireworks: 1860s Style!

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Independence Day during the Mahaffie era was the biggest holiday of the year. Activities typically included: speeches, a reading of the Declaration of Independence, and celebrating the Heroes of 1776. The Mahaffie Grove hosted the Olathe celebration in 1881. The newspaper ad from The Olathe Mirror invites Governor John P. St. John to deliver a speech and a concert from The Olathe Rifles and Band. Today, you are invited to each of our events to experience an old-fashioned Fourth of July.  

Thursday, July 11, 2024

• We are open 6 to 10 p.m. with FREE admission! (some activities require extra fees). Bring your chairs, blankets, and picnics to enjoy this all-American celebration!
• Activities may include:

• 6 p.m.: historic Mahaffie grounds open. Make an 'S' hook in the blacksmith shop, $4/hook ages 8 & up. stagecoach rides, $3/ages 3 & up, you must be in line by 8:30 p.m. for the rides. Visit the Mahaffie House, exhibits in the Agricultural Heritage Livestock Barn and Heritage Center,  play 1860s games, see what is cooking on the cookstove. Pie, ice cream, root beer, and root beer floats available for purchase. You can purchase activity tickets in the Heritage Center with a credit card or cash. These activities end at 9 p.m. so all can enjoy the fireworks. You must be in line by 8 p.m. to make an 'S' hook.
• 7:30 p.m.: Concert by the Olathe Civic Band
• 8:30 p.m.: TBD
• 9:15 p.m.: Patriotic music, a Reading of the Declaration of Independence, followed by a cannon firing.
• 9:30 p.m.: Fireworks: 1860s style! You must be on the historic Mahaffie grounds to view these fireworks.

• Parking available at the Heritage Center, the parking lot near the Mahaffie House, and overflow parking at the Olathe Community Center. 
• Other concessions for purchase include: pie, ice cream, root beer, and root beer floats, benefitting programs at Mahaffie. Cash or activity tickets accepted for Mahaffie concession purchases. 
• You are welcome to bring your picnics, blankets, and lawn chairs for this All-American celebration!