Summer starts to finally shine through all of the recent storms across Central Kansas.
With the start of the summer season comes a huge migration of military families partaking in leisure travel. Kicking off this time of year is one of the largest celebrated holidays in America, Independence Day. The red, white, and blue is highly celebrated on posts across the nation already, but Independence Day celebrations take that sentiment and explode it into local communities. Furthermore, abundant outdoor leisure activities can be found around Fort Riley. Comfortable interior design, tidy rooms, free Wi-Fi, and affordable pricing make a stay at IHG® Army Hotels on Fort Riley worth the visit this upcoming holiday weekend.
While IHG® Army Hotels typically do not host any Independence Day functions of their own, many locations offer easy access to holiday entertainment. Just beyond Fort Riley’s boundary rests the small Mid-western town of Junction City. For this Independence Day, Junction City’s Sundown Salute will be hosting its annual “Tribute to America,” proudly claiming the title of Kansas’s largest free, multi-day Independence Day event at Heritage Park (just off post). Events begin July 3rdand run through July 7th, allowing you to continue the celebration for days.
Musical entertainment begins on July 3rd. The vast musical lineup includes samplings from several music genres, from rock cover bands to golden oldies, providing something for everyone to enjoy. But, “Tribute to America” does not just offer entertainment. This year there will be camel rides, food, and craft vendors as well!
In addition to nightly bands, Sundown Salute is delivering the Ottaway Amusement Co carnival as it has in previous years, along with a car, truck, and bike show on Saturday, July 6th. For Independence Day itself, Sundown Salute has pulled out all the stops, bringing a lineup of events for the entire family. Starting at 0700 is the 43rdAnnual Freedom Run - 5K and 10K. Registration for the event begins at 0530 and includes a one-mile fun run as well. Following the run at 1000 comes the Tribute to America Parade and the Veterans Ceremony at 1200 in Heritage park. Also at 1200, the carnival opens and runs through the rest of the day until 2300. The Tribute to America Fireworks Display is the Grand Finale of the day.
For those not interested in big celebrations, IHG® Army Hotels on Fort Riley is also close to Milford Lake, providing an abundance of outdoor recreation for this Independence Day holiday. These options include trail rides via 2 Broke Cowgirls Equine Rescue, swimming, hiking, and boating opportunities. Outdoor Recreation on post provides ATV and kayak rentals to use on and around Fort Riley. In addition to these options, fishing can be found around Fort Riley, on Milford Lake or even at Moon Lake, only a couple miles from lodging on post.
There is truly something for everyone to enjoy, making a trip out to Fort Riley a must this 4thof July. The close proximity of IHG® Army Hotels on Fort Riley offers a short, convenient drive to the festivities and outdoor recreation areas. If a day off from venturing out is needed, the hotel also hosts an outdoor pool for some cooled down entertainment or relaxation. Clean and comfortable amenities, kitchenettes, and large bathrooms offer a refreshing retreat to come home to after a hot day venturing around the Sundown Salute’s celebration or out exploring the surrounding areas recreational activities.
