Picture this: your kids dip brushes into glittery paint, grandpa tests a string of LED stars, and your laptop stays connected just a few steps away. One 90-minute workshop in Liberty is all it takes to turn that humble trailer parked at Junction West into a crowd-cheering, photo-snapping float for the Liberty’s Light Parade.
Quick Points to Know
– Workshop lasts 90 minutes on June 29 at 2 p.m. inside Liberty Community Center
– Price is $10 per team; kids 11 and under join free
– Free Wi-Fi, hot coffee, paints, glue guns, and brushes are provided
– Center is 10 easy miles from Junction West Coffeyville RV Park
– Build a “Voices of Freedom” float that rolls on July 4 at 10 a.m.
– All ages and skill levels welcome—families, volunteers, and remote workers alike
– Safety basics: stay under 13 ft 6 in tall, strap heavy items in the middle, keep a fire extinguisher close
– Eight-week game plan and local shopping tips save time, space, and money
– Kids enjoy a glitter zone; adults relax in shaded chairs while helping
– Register online or by phone; save $2 if you sign up before June 15; walk-ins allowed when space remains.
The bullet list above gives you fast, scannable data, but the real value hides in the tiny details that follow. Think of the workshop as a portable maker-space: power outlets line every wall, rolling carts keep clutter from tripping little feet, and veteran float builders roam the floor ready to help tighten a bolt or trace a stencil. With so much support in one room, first-timers finish designs that would normally take a weekend in less than two hours.
Beyond convenience, the workshop fee doubles as a community booster shot. Your $10 covers paints, tarps, and glue sticks, but it also funds next year’s teen counselor stipends and buys fresh safety goggles for the tool table. When you sign in at the door, you’re not just claiming a seat—you’re investing in a 65-year tradition that keeps Main Street glowing every Independence Day.
Fast Facts Before the Paint Splashes
Two sentences once got the job done, yet a richer snapshot helps builders arrive prepared. The Float Decorating Workshop meets on June 29 at 2 p.m., runs a brisk 90 minutes, and hands every participant guest Wi-Fi and bottomless coffee as soon as they walk through the door. Those perks let adults juggle remote work obligations while still coaching kids through their first glitter-bombed star.
Five dreamy sunset evenings separate workshop day from July 4 parade morning, so you have built-in buffer time to tweak lighting, touch up paint, or run last-minute supply errands. That window also lets out-of-towners explore Liberty’s historic square, grab ice cream at the vintage parlor, or snap fireworks-ready photos of their finished float parked under Junction West’s string lights. By the time Main Street barricades go up, your creation will be cured, tested, and selfie-approved.
Why Liberty’s Light Still Glows After 65 Years
Grandparents remember marching bands blasting Sousa along Main Street, and newcomers feel welcomed the moment the first confetti lands on their shoulders. That shared nostalgia fuels the 65-year tradition of Liberty’s Light Parade, a celebration rooted in Independence Day patriotism yet open to every voice of freedom. Each float, whether hand-painted by scouts or wired by engineers, becomes a moving postcard from the town to itself.
The workshop keeps that torch burning by blending old-school craftsmanship with modern maker flair. Veterans of past “Voices of Freedom” themes guide rookies through design sketches, safety specs, and the subtle art of balancing a giant bald eagle without tipping the trailer. Their stories of past parades—some triumphant, some hilariously disastrous—remind every builder that community spirit matters more than professional polish.
What the Workshop Covers—And How It Fits Every Builder
Two tables of supplies greet families and crafters alike: one stacked with beginner-friendly tempera paints, another lined with soldering irons and programmable LED strips. The opening segment breaks down the year’s theme, “Voices of Freedom,” by showing how a microphone motif can evolve into a three-dimensional sculpture. Instructors pause often for questions, encouraging even shy participants to speak up before plywood gets cut.
Next comes a lightning tour of materials that shines light on budget shortcuts. Color palettes lean on classic reds and blues, yet instructors demonstrate unexpected pops—think turquoise sparks or copper-wire fireworks—that make a float stand out on Instagram. Everyone circles back for a 15-minute safety demo covering weight distribution, handrail height, and that magic 13-foot-6-inch clearance ceiling, ensuring creativity never outruns common sense.
Family Fun, Volunteer Zen, DIY Bragging Rights: Persona Perks in Action
Parents with restless kiddos head straight to the “glitter zone,” a tarp-lined corner monitored by teen counselors eager to dole out stickers and encouragement. Quick-dry paint, pre-cut stencils, and baby wipes keep messes manageable so families can finish accents in time for burgers back at the RV. Meanwhile, snowbird volunteers claim shaded lawn chairs near the ribbon table, contentedly tying bows while swapping stories about cross-country routes.
On the tech side, craft enthusiasts run a mini swap-meet outside, trading foam cutters for spare zip ties in a barter system as old as county fairs. Laptops perch on picnic benches, proof that remote professionals can sync code and float lights in the same afternoon. Just beyond the sliding doors, history buffs admire a photo wall of past parade themes curated by local librarians, inspiration for anyone aiming to honor Liberty’s founders with a bold new twist.
An Eight-Week Game Plan That Fits Inside Your RV Door
Finishing a float is easier when every task has a parking spot on the calendar. The workshop’s sample schedule breaks big jobs—like framing, priming, and lighting—into bite-sized weekly sprints, so you never face a 2 a.m. panic the night before the parade. Each phase also lists local suppliers, making it painless to replace a stripped screw or snag extra fabric without driving an hour.
Week 8–7: Sketch concepts, finalize budgets, and tape a Gantt-style checklist beside the RV fridge. Each task line carries color-coded dots so even six-year-olds can mark progress.
Week 6–5: Shop local. Plywood, PVC, and exterior screws weigh down gas mileage, so picking them up at Coffeyville hardware stores keeps wallets and fuel tanks happy.
Week 4–3: Junction West’s extra-long pull-through sites become outdoor workshops. A full-scale mock-up right on the gravel pad exposes clearance issues—discovering that your star-spangled arch scrapes tree limbs in the park is far better than shearing it off under Liberty’s stoplights.
Week 2: Weatherproof everything. Switch cardboard signs to corrugated plastic, double-knot every banner with floral wire and zip ties, and test LEDs during dusk for brightness. Mock-up number two verifies that the generator hum doesn’t drown your playlist of patriotic hits.
Week 1: Rest, review, and pack a small repair kit. One open travel day means a busted hinge can be fixed without midnight panic.
Those incremental steps spare you from decision fatigue and keep excitement high. Plus, checking off boxes together turns project time into family game time, complete with celebratory ice-cream runs each Sunday evening. By parade day, everyone on the team knows exactly how their small tasks fused into one glittering whole.
Shop Smart, Shop Nearby, Save Space in the Rig
Local merchants love float builders, and float builders love not hauling lumber across state lines. Coffeyville’s farm-supply aisles brim with UV-resistant exterior paint, while the welding shop two blocks over bends light-gauge steel braces in 24 hours—just bring exact measurements on paper. Rental outlets stock small flatbeds perfect for hauling your finished float if your primary trailer doubles as a bedroom.
Need budget décor? Thrift shops hide patriotic bunting, picture frames, and even the occasional vintage drum set. A quick spritz of metallic spray paint turns flea-market finds into parade-ready gold without bloating storage bins. For lighting, party-rental companies offer battery-powered LED strands that save you from buying single-use gear, and many throw in portable chargers for free if you mention you’re part of the parade.
Float Safety in Five Minutes—But Built for the Long Haul
Kansas DOT guidelines require floats to stay under 13 ft 6 in; workshop leaders measure every archway twice, a ritual that’s saved more than one eagle head from decapitation. Heavy props sit directly over or just forward of the axle, preventing fishtailing when the tow vehicle stops for waving kids. Backup chains, exterior-grade screws, and weather-sealed electrical connections form the holy trinity of secure décor.
A 5-lb ABC fire extinguisher rests within arm’s reach of the driver—mandatory, but also common sense when fabric fringe flutters near wiring. Slip-resistant mats and 30-inch-high handrails protect riders who dance or toss candy, keeping that joyful energy off the asphalt where it doesn’t belong. By following these simple habits, you’ll spend parade morning tossing peace signs, not searching for duct tape.
Kansas Heat, Midwest Wind, and the Art of Weather-Proofing
Mid-July temperatures in Liberty regularly flirt with 95 °F, so UV-resistant latex paint becomes your best friend. Unlike oil-based options, it remains flexible when the float bakes on pavement, preventing cracks that invite moisture. Gusty prairie winds love to test decorations; anchoring banners with both adhesive and through-bolts provides peace of mind.
LED lights shine bright while sipping power, which means less heat build-up around fabric elements. Floral foam might wilt in sun, but adding floral wire reinforcements keeps fresh-flower displays intact even during sudden parade halts. When the last cheer fades, reclaimed pallet wood and corrugated plastic panels dismantle easily and can be donated to local art programs, trimming landfill waste.
Making Junction West Coffeyville RV Park Part of the Parade
Book an extra-long pull-through, keep your float hitched overnight, and greet dawn without scrambling to reconnect couplers. Junction West’s 50-amp hookups run chop saws, air compressors, and battery chargers without the rumble of a generator, delighting both neighbors and eardrums. Gravel pads double as maintenance bays for wheel-bearing checks and tire-pressure top-offs—tiny tasks that avert big breakdowns on the short drive to Liberty.
Post a note on the community board: “Need red glitter? Have spare PVC!” and watch a mini economy bloom before your very eyes. Confirm quiet hours with management and schedule hammering mid-day; happy neighbors cheer louder on parade morning. By the time you roll out at sunrise, your float will be parade-ready and your campsite drama-free.
Pack Light, Borrow Bright: What to Bring and What Awaits You
Workshop organizers supply the basics: tempera paints, glue guns, brushes, tarps, and a never-ending coffee urn. They even stock zip ties by the bucket so you can lash down fringe without rationing every strip. If advanced tools are part of your repertoire, label them clearly; nothing ends a friendship faster than a missing wire stripper.
Bring closed-toe shoes, work gloves, a sketchbook, and any specialized décor you can’t live without—think programmable LEDs or a treasured family flag. Laptops are welcome because the guest Wi-Fi reaches the entire hall, so designers can pull up reference images without draining cell data. With gear needs this minimal, there’s plenty of room left in the RV for lawn chairs, grill supplies, and a cooler stuffed with post-workshop popsicles.
Register, Relax, and Rally the Crew
Sign up online through the Liberty Community Center page, or call the front desk at (620) 555-1776 for voice-friendly assistance. Early birds who register by June 15 snag a $2 discount, and ADA accommodations—from wider aisles to adjustable-height tables—are just an email request away. Multiple families can share a single float team, up to eight builders per entry, making collaboration simple and affordable.
Walk-ups are welcome until 30 minutes before the workshop starts, though pre-registered teams get priority on borrowed tools. Parking for tow rigs up to 60 feet stretches along the south lot—easy in, easy out, no backing stress. Whether you’re a planner or a spontaneous road-tripper, the registration system flexes to fit your style.
Lightning-Round Q&A That Search Engines Love
Every parade rookie asks the same handful of questions, so we’ve gathered quick answers in one tidy bundle. Skim this section for instant clarity, or forward it to friends who might join your build team—sharing info now saves you from dozens of text-message pings later.
How long does the workshop last? Ninety minutes plus an optional 30-minute Q&A.
Can I join last minute if a meeting cancels? Yes, as long as you arrive 30 minutes before start time.
Is Wi-Fi strong enough near the paint tables? Guest login covers the hall and patio.
Where can I find parade safety rules? See the Kansas DOT guide for float height and attachment specs.
Need chairs, shade, or close parking? All three await just outside the workshop doors.
Grab your glitter, rally the crew, and let Junction West Coffeyville RV Park be your launchpad to parade glory. Our spacious pull-throughs keep your float hitched and your family comfy, while dependable 50-amp power, spotless showers, and park-wide Wi-Fi let you tinker, toast marshmallows, or tackle that last email in one easy evening. July 4th week fills quickly—secure your site now at JunctionWestRVPark.com or call (620) 251-0004 and roll into Liberty’s Light Parade rested, ready, and shining bright. We’ll save you a shady spot and a fresh cup of coffee at sunrise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Before diving into the specifics, remember that every rule and perk listed here comes straight from the Liberty Community Center staff. If you still need clarification after reading, a quick phone call or email will get you personalized guidance faster than scrolling social media threads.
These answers also evolve as the parade grows, so bookmark this page and check back a week before the workshop for any late-breaking updates—especially weather-related notices or last-minute supply donations.
Q: How much does the workshop cost, and what do we get for the fee?
A: The fee is $10 per float team, which covers entry for up to eight builders, unlimited coffee and lemonade, use of paints, glue guns, basic hand tools, sketch paper, safety gear for the demo, and Wi-Fi throughout the session; kids under 12 attend free, so families can join without extra charges piling up.
Q: What supplies should we bring from our RV, and what does the workshop provide?
A: Bring any specialty décor you can’t live without—such as programmable LEDs, a family heirloom flag, or your favorite cordless drill—plus closed-toe shoes and work gloves; the workshop supplies tempera paints, brushes, tarps, glue sticks, zip ties, and shared hand tools, so you can travel light and still leave with a float that shines.
Q: Is the event safe and fun for children?
A: Yes, the “glitter zone” is a tarp-lined corner supervised by teen counselors, safety goggles are on hand for paint and glue work, and all power tools stay on an adults-only table, allowing kids to create happily while parents relax.
Q: Exactly how long will the workshop run, and will we have time to cook dinner afterward?
A: The hands-on portion lasts 90 minutes, followed by an optional 30-minute Q&A, so even with a short drive back to Junction West you’ll be flipping burgers before sunset.
Q: Can I pop in last minute if a meeting cancels or my travel schedule shifts?
A: Walk-ups are welcome until 30 minutes before the 2 p.m. start, and registration only takes two minutes at the door thanks to a card reader and quick waiver form.
Q: Is Wi-Fi strong enough for remote work tasks during the session?
A: The Community Center’s guest network covers the entire hall and patio at streaming speeds, so you can sync files or answer emails while paint dries.
Q: Are there chairs, shade, and close parking for retirees who just want to help tie bows?
A: Shaded folding chairs ring the main tables, the south lot offers level parking less than 100 feet from the door, and volunteers can lend a hand without standing for long stretches.
Q: I’m a crafter—may I bring my own tools and try advanced techniques?
A: Absolutely; label your gear, plug into the 50-amp outlets, and join the side huddle where instructors discuss soldering LEDs, foam carving, and other pro tips, while still keeping the main lesson beginner-friendly.
Q: What are the theme guidelines for “Voices of Freedom,” and are any materials off-limits?
A: Your design should celebrate free expression—think microphones, music notes, or historic quotes—while avoiding open flames, loose glitter that can blow off, or anything taller than 13-foot-6; beyond those safety rules, your imagination sets the limit.
Q: How does the float honor local history and community pride?
A: The theme draws on Liberty’s 65-year tradition of giving everyone a “voice,” and the workshop displays archival parade photos and town lore so builders can weave hometown stories into modern designs.
Q: Can schools, scout troops, or multiple families share one float?
A: Yes, up to eight people may register as a single team, and educators or troop leaders can email the center for curriculum sheets and group discounts if extra kids need to tag along.
Q: What if I just want to volunteer without entering a float?
A: Drop by, sign the volunteer sheet, and you’ll be matched with a team that needs an extra set of hands, whether that’s tying ribbons, measuring clearance, or cheering on young painters.
Q: Are the building areas and restrooms accessible for guests with mobility needs?
A: The Community Center is fully ADA compliant, with ramp access, wide aisles, adjustable-height tables, and accessible restrooms; note any special requests on your registration and staff will reserve the right setup.
Q: Where can I park my float overnight at Junction West, and will power be sufficient for late-night tweaks?
A: Book an extra-long pull-through site, keep the float hitched, and tap into the park’s 50-amp service to run lights, drills, or even an air compressor without firing up a generator.
Q: What happens if severe weather threatens the workshop day?
A: Liberty Community Center shifts the workshop indoors during lightning or extreme heat, and a rain date is emailed to registered teams if road conditions would make travel unsafe.
Q: How do I register and can I get a refund if plans change?
A: Register online or by phone, pay with card or cash, and cancel up to 48 hours before the event for a full refund; after that, your fee converts to a donation that supports next year’s parade supplies.