A Fabulous Fourth

July 18, 2022 - Features

The Dole Institute was proud to co-host the Lawrence Independence Day community celebration on Sunday, July 3, 2022. This evening event, which ran from 5:30 p.m. until the fireworks display began at 9:45 p.m., welcomed over 800 people, with 400 of those attending being children. The Dole Institute hosted outdoor and indoor family-friendly activities in partnership with the Lied Center, where musical acts and food trucks were the main attractions. It was a great atmosphere for this community-centered event.

people participating in a sack race on the lawn outside the Dole Institute of Politics Sack-Racing to the Finish Line

This event was sponsored by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas in conjunction with the Lawrence Jaycees, City of Lawrence, University of Kansas, the Dole Institute, the Lied Center of Kansas and eXplore Lawrence.

parents and children on the lawn and sidewalks outside the Dole Institute Connecting with Families

 

people participating in mini golf with the Dole Hole, which includes a miniature Dole Institute Trying for a Dole-in-One at the Dole Hole

Outdoor activities at the Dole Institute included cornhole, giant connect-four, hula hoops, sidewalk chalk, flag puzzle, patriotic jump ropes, the return of the Dole Hole (mini golf), and summer party fun complete with old-fashioned sack races on the front lawn. Indoor activities included scavenger hunts in the museum gallery, patriotic crafts, democratic voting of Socks the cat vs. Leader the dog, coloring sheets, and the option of writing a letter to Frances, the First Cat of Kansas (Governor Laura Kelly’s cat).

Parents and children crafting Patriotic Red, White, and Blue Windsocks inside the Dole Institute Crafting Patriotic Red, White, & Blue Windsocks

Kids could also explore the museum in a hidden flag hunt, and even try to find a cartoon toy Uncle Sam hidden in the United State Capitol building at the north end of the building. Families could also take home the crafts they made, flag stickers, and a special treat by CC’s Cookies.

Children decorating the sidewalk outside the Dole Institute with chalk drawings Coloring the Night Away

We had a great time co-hosting this Independence Day event for the first time as it was a great community-building activity. Happy Fourth!

Julie Clover with an uncle sam hat, holding a frame around her face that reads 'Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics' Dole Institute Public Education Coordinator, Julie Clover, showcasing her 4th of July spirit!

 

The Outside of the Dole Institute at night What a beautiful patriotic evening!

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