The July 31 celebration will also provide a demonstration of newly-authorized Entertainment Districts. The Kansas Legislature this year approved legislation requested by the Wichita City Council and Mayor Brewer, creating the opportunity for local communities to designate specific locations where alcoholic beverages can be consumed on public streets, sidewalks and rights-of-way.

"As the 50th largest city in the United States, we are in a competition with other urban communities such as Oklahoma City, Kansas City and Fort Worth, all of whom actively seek to create a social environment that is attractive to a young, progressive demographic," Mayor Brewer testified before a legislative committee. "We firmly believe that proper regulation, licensing and oversight will ensure a responsible use of this opportunity. Large urban environments such as Wichita require the option of self-regulation to meet the needs and expectations of our population."