Concordia Nebraska partners with community to celebrate Independence Day in Seward, Nebraska, the Fourth of July City!

Every Fourth of July, nearly 40,000 visitors make their way to Seward, Nebraska to experience the largest Fourth of July celebration in the state.  

Seward's residents are quite passionate about the holiday. Celebratory events in Seward take place for several days around Independence Day each year. 

Since 1969, celebration leadership has been directed by local high school and college-age youth. The celebration incorporated in 1980 and is made up of representatives of local, civic groups, high school organizations, businesses, religious organizations and individuals meeting monthly with the youth of the community to coordinate the annual celebration. 

Festivities include a fireworks show, grand parade, food trucks, live entertainment, a craft fair lectures, book talks, a car show, a freedom run, a home decorating contest, a corn hole tournament and much more. This year’s celebration will also incorporate the dedication of new Nebraska National Guard Museum exhibits. 

It is an honor to join with our neighbors near and far to give thanks for God’s blessings to these United States, and to spend quality time with family, friends and colleagues celebrating through the many wonderful festivities and events that take place in our small town.

The annual apple pie eating contest and bubble gum contests, which were established by the Seward Rotary Club in 1971, are still popular today. The world’s largest time capsule – which is in Seward - was dedicated on July 4, 1975, and holds thousands of articles, ranging from a new 1975 automobile to t-shirts. The time capsule is expected to be opened during the 2025 Independence Day festivities. 

The city’s first Independence Day celebration was in 1868 and was celebrated on the town square, where many events are still conducted today. In 1973, Nebraska Governor J. James Exon designated Seward “Nebraska's Official 4th of July City.” The city’s celebration was also a highlight of the City of Seward Centennial in 1967 and in 1976. In 1976, American Revolution Bicentennial officials recognized Seward for its patriotic observances. 

Concordia Nebraska faculty and students participate in the Independence Day festivities in a variety of ways. The university frequently has a float in the grand parade, and different student and faculty groups often volunteer to support different events and efforts throughout the days of celebration. 

“We in the Concordia Nebraska community have the unique and wonderful opportunity to live and work in a place that many visit each year to celebrate our country’s independence,” said Concordia Nebraska Senior Director of Alumni and University Relations Jennifer Furr. “For more than 100 years, Concordia Nebraska has partnered with the community for these July 4 festivities. It is an honor to join with our neighbors near and far to give thanks for God’s blessings to these United States, and to spend quality time with family, friends and colleagues celebrating through the many wonderful festivities and events that take place in our small town.” 

This year’s celebration theme is "“Always Ready - Always There!” Honoring Our First Responders: The Police, Firefighters and National Guard.” Concordia Nebraska will participate in this year’s parade with a Concordia Bulldogs-themed float, featuring participation from university alumni, staff and students.  

A full schedule of this year’s Seward area Fourth of July events are available here.