Have a Blast in Seward

“America’s Official Fourth of July City-Small Town U.S.A.” invites you to experience its annual old-fashioned, patriotic celebration. Since 1868, the community of Seward, Neb. has celebrated the anniversary of our country’s founding with a full day of family activities, entertainment and, of course, fireworks. The town of 6,000 will swell to more than 40,000 people and offer more than 100 events. Seward grew from an 1867 prairie settlement on a bend of the Blue River to become the county seat of Seward County. It is just a 20-minute drive west of Lincoln, Nebraska’s state capital. Seward was designated “America’s Official Fourth of July City-Small Town U.S.A.” by a resolution of Congress in 1979. It also has been proclaimed “Nebraska’s Official Fourth of July City.” The award-winning celebration has garnered state and national attention, emphasizing the total community effort. The event is unique in that major leadership is provided by high school youth. The planning committee, which includes more than 50 community groups, meets the third Thursday of each month during lunch at the high school so students can participate. In addition, area grade school students from kindergarten through fourth grade are selected as festival royalty, Miss Independence and Mr. Firecracker. Each year a special “Tourist Family” is kidnapped and honored. The practice has evolved from stopping tourists on Interstate 80 with the State Patrol in 1969 to now grabbing a family traveling through Seward. The celebration kicks off with the firing of the anvil and includes activities such as a craft fair, a car show, a parade and lots and lots of food. You’ll find patriotic programs, historic exhibits, parachutists, movies, lectures, arts and humanities presentations, a special newspaper edition, concerts, a tractor pull, a pole vault competition, a strong man contest, magic shows, a 10K run, a walk, a bike ride, best decorated bike or trike contest, a pet parade, a carnival, an air show, a flash mob dance and an apple pie eating contest. While you’re there, do not miss Seward’s famous Perfect Apple Pie.   Each year, the community invites the president and first lady to attend the Seward celebration. So far none have attended, but who knows? This could be the year! Find other fun Fourth of July celebrations at VisitNebraska.com.