29 WEEKLY 2026
JUNE
A
B A L D W I N
C I T Y
VOL 4 NO. 23 FREE DIGITAL VERSION
N E W S P A P E R
LOCAL FIREWORKS SALES SUPPORT
SCHOLARSHIPS, ATHLETICS & OTHER PROGRAMS
As Independence Day approaches, fireworks stands are beginning to pop up around Baldwin City. While many shoppers are focused on finding the perfect fireworks for their Fourth of July celebrations, several local organizations hope residents will also consider the impact their purchases can have on the community. This year, three local fundraising efforts are using fireworks sales to support youth programs, scholarships, athletics and charitable initiatives. Organizers say every purchase helps fund opportunities that benefit Baldwin City residents throughout the year. Baker Women’s Wrestling Raises Funds for Student-Athletes The Baker University women’s wrestling program will once again operate a fireworks stand at Corner Liquor, partnering with Garrett’s Fireworks of Osage City. The stand will be open June 28 through July 4 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., with extended hours until midnight on July 3 and July 4. Now in its fourth year, the fundraiser has become one of the program’s three largest annual fundraising efforts, accounting for approximately 15 percent of its yearly fundraising efforts. Funds raised help support team travel expenses, including hotels, charter buses and meals, as well as team gear, entry fees and special training opportunities such as trips to the Olympic Training Center. “Collegiate athletics is very expensive, and only gets more and more costly,” organizers said. “Our fundraising efforts help us provide the best experience possible for our student-athletes.”
Volunteers spend weeks coordinating inventory, staffing schedules, setup and cleanup. During the busiest days, additional volunteers are needed to assist customers and keep the operation running smoothly.
BEST and Cub Scouts Team Up for Third Year BEST, a Baldwin City nonprofit focused on helping youth explore new experiences and opportunities, is partnering with the Cub Scouts for its third annual fireworks fundraiser. The stand is located at Elite Chiropractic and will operate from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. beginning June 28 through July 4. The fundraiser supports BEST scholarships, Cub Scout activities and individual fundraising opportunities for local youth participating in sports camps, theater, music programs, school travel and other educational experiences. Organizers describe the fundraiser as the largest annual fundraising event for both BEST and the Cub Scouts. Without the proceeds generated through fireworks sales, grants, scholarships and travel awards would be significantly reduced. More than 20 volunteers are involved, and organizers say they are still looking for additional help throughout the week. “This is a great learning opportunity for our youth as well as a fundraiser,” organizers said. “The more sales made, the more money is credited to each individual who worked as well as to the group as a whole.” This year’s stand is operating from a new location. Customers who previously visited the Gorilla Tent in the field will now find the stand at Elite Chiropractic.
Knights of Columbus Continue Long-Running Tradition For more than 25 years, the Knights of Columbus have operated one of Baldwin City’s longest-running fireworks fundraisers. Their stand is located next to the Baldwin City Market parking lot and will be open Tuesday through Saturday during the fireworks sales season. The fundraiser serves as the organization’s largest annual fundraising effort, generating approximately 80 percent of the group’s yearly fundraising revenue. Proceeds support local charitable causes, scholarships and community activities throughout Baldwin City. Funds also help support programs such as the Knights’ annual Valentine’s Day meal for widows and individuals with disabilities, summer watermelon feeds for local athletic teams and scholarships for students pursuing higher education. The operation relies on approximately 40 volunteers and requires months of preparation, including ordering inventory, coordinating schedules and managing one of the community’s largest fireworks tents.
The Knights are hoping to surpass last year’s sales totals and continue expanding their support of local programs. “All of the profits go back into the community to benefit all citizens,” organizers said. Among the most popular items each year is the organization’s “Godfather Package,” a raffle prize valued at more than $600. More Than Fireworks While fireworks are a Fourth of July tradition, organizers from all three fundraising efforts say the real purpose extends far beyond holiday celebrations. Whether supporting college athletes, helping local youth attend camps and educational programs or funding community service projects and scholarships, each stand provides residents with an opportunity to invest directly in organizations that serve Baldwin City year-round. For those planning to purchase fireworks this season, organizers hope shoppers will remember that every purchase helps support a local cause long after the last firework fades from the sky.
FIREWORKS INSIDE CITY LIMITS:
June 28–July 2: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. July 3–4: 10 a.m. to midnight Fireworks are also allowed until midnight on any Friday or Saturday that falls between June 28 and July 4. No. Bottle rockets and similar fireworks are prohibited within city limits. Complete fireworks ordinance: https://tinyurl.com/y555y9mn