The Rundown – City plans for four days of fireworks in 2026

Published on January 28, 2026

The Rundown is prepared by the City of Newton Communications Office to summarize the City Commission action and does not represent official Commission minutes.

7 p.m. Jan. 27, 2026, Newton City Commission meeting

At Tuesday’s meeting, the City Commission reversed course from its previous discussion about the 2026 dates of fireworks in Newton, approving a plan for four days of sales and discharge.

Fireworks sales will be allowed from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. July 1-4. Setting off fireworks will be allowed from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. July 1-2 and 10 a.m.-midnight July 3-4.

Commissioners said their decision was based primarily on new information compiled by City staff about sales tax revenue from fireworks and cell phone data that tracks consumer behavior.

In 2025, Newton had nine days of fireworks sales, June 27-July 5. Harvey County sales tax reports for 2025 for Fireworks Merchant Wholesalers and Fireworks Shops totaled $11,972, with the City of Newton taking $6,520 of those sales.

Cell phone data during the 2025 sales period showed that customer traffic at stands was relatively low during the first few days and then spiked during July 2-4. Less than 10% of customers came from outside Harvey County.

Commissioners said the relatively low sales tax revenue and customer traffic patterns did not justify a longer fireworks season when the majority of public sentiment they’ve heard supports fewer days.

The Commission plans to vote on the ordinance at the Feb. 10 meeting.

The Commission also received an update on the planned community Independence Day celebration. Called Rockets & Rails, the event on July 3 will feature a family festival in Military Park, followed by a professional fireworks show shot from the roof of New Jerusalem Missions. It will also include a concert by the Stolen Winnebagos sponsored by Sand Creek Summer Daze, as well as food trucks, bounce houses, yard games, and other activities.

In other action, the City Commission:

1. Set a public hearing for Feb. 24 for a Community Development Block Grant application for Themian Park improvements.
2. Approved a KDOT High Risk Urban Roads grant to install safety signage at key locations: SE 36th and S. Kansas, SE 24th and S. Kansas, E. 12th and Old Trail Road, and N. Main and Old Highway 81.
3. Approved a request to close Main Street on May 2 for the Newton Car Show.
4. Received the annual FAA Capital Improvement Plan for Newton City/County Airport.
5. Approved a cereal malt beverage license application from Kirpa Newton for Roadsters Truck Stop.
6. Received the Harvey County Economic Development Annual Report.

For more information, please contact Director of Communications Erin McDaniel at 316-284-6055 or emcdaniel@newtonkansas.com.