Community Celebrates 4th Fest 2025 in Lawrence

Lawrence residents gathered on Friday to celebrate Independence Day, or 4th Fest 2025. The community came together to enjoy the parade, which kicked off at 10 a.m. along Franklin Road and ended at Community Park.

Vickie Turner was among those watching the parade with her three grandchildren marching in it. She has attended every year and cherishes the opportunity to spend time with family on this special day.“[The Fourth of July] means family, it means family get-togethers, and enjoying my grandkids in the parade,” Turner said.

Jesus Mendoza's son, Jesus Jr., participated in the parade with his baseball team, which plays at the park during the summer. It was Jesus Jr.'s first time marching in the parade, and he expressed a desire to do it again next year."Not all countries have the privilege that we do have, so it feels pretty special for us," Jesus Sr. said. "It's good to teach the kids what independence means."

Patricia Herndon, who immigrated to the United States from Panama when she was 8 years old and is now a naturalized citizen, watched the parade with her husband and son, Luca. She hopes to use the day to teach Luca what it means to be an American, particularly in a bilingual household."It means a lot to me being a citizen," Herndon said. "And so, I enjoy everything about the United States, and you know, being able to have a bilingual child, that means a lot."

The 4th Fest celebration also featured a fish fry, car show, kids' activities, and live music.