The
Kentucky State Parks will celebrate the Fourth of July weekend with musical entertainment, camping, games, and picnics, just to name a few.
Fireworks will be held at Barren River Lake State Resort, Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park, General Butler State Resort Park, Greenbo Lake State Resort Park, Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park, Lake Barkley State Resort Park, and Rough River Dam State Resort Park.
Many of the fireworks displays are sponsored by local businesses, associations and individuals.
“We appreciate the organizations that are supporting the fireworks display this year at our state parks. We receive great support from our community partners,” said Gerry van der Meer, parks commissioner.
Here is a listing of state park events planned for the holiday weekend:
Barren River Lake State Resort, Lucas- Fourth of July Celebration, July 3-4: A block party on July 3 will start off the weekend with Karaoke, a non-motorized parade, and the famous “Whatever Floats Your Boat” competition. There will be a beach party beginning at 11 a.m. July 4. The festivities will continue with live entertainment, food vendors and a fireworks extravaganza- all sponsored by The Friends of Barren River.
Big Bone Lick State Park, Union- July 4 Creek Stomping: Cool off in Big Bone Creek while learning about nature. Parents must accompany children and registration is required. This is not recommended for young children. Weather permitting.
Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park, Mount Olivet, July 3-5: The Cedar Hill Institute will kick off the weekend July 3, with a free violin concert from 1-3 p.m. at the Worthington Lodge. A buffet will be served by Hidden Waters Restaurant from 4-9 p.m. and from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. on July 4. There will also be a battlefield walk at 1 p.m. There will be a cornhole tournament on July 5.
Buckhorn Lake State Resort, Buckhorn- Fourth of July Celebration: Independence Day celebration will include activities and food. The band, 2nd Wind, will perform on the Marina Road. Fireworks over the lake will begin at dark. All events are sponsored by Buckhorn Scenic Trail Association and Perry County Clerk’s Office.
Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park, Burkesville- Independence Day Celebration, July 3-5: Various games and crafts will be offered throughout the weekend. A Karaoke contest will be held on the evening of July 3. On July 4, there will be a non-motorized parade. The weekend will close with a dance at the pool party and a live band Saturday night.
Fort Boonesborough State Park, Richmond- Fourth of July Fest, July 1-5: The park will have a campers’ decoration contest, crafts, bingo, free tours, hayrides, a parade, and NASCAR on a big screen TV.
General Burnside State Park, Burnside- Independence Day, July 4-5: Decorate yourself and/or your bike to join the July 4th Parade. There will be activities, games and prizes for all ages. There will be a Checkers Tournament and a watermelon seed spitting contest on July 5.
General Butler State Resort Park, Carrollton- Fireworks Over Butler Lake, July 4: Musical entertainment will begin at 7 p.m. located in the park’s front entrance. A fireworks celebration will begin at 9:30 p.m. and can be viewed from the Butler Lake Beachfront area.
Greenbo Lake State Resort Park, Greenup, July 4: A concert featuring The Kentucky Blue Collar Band will begin at the Greenbo Lake Amphitheatre at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $5 per person, $2 for children ages 6 to 12, and free for children 5 and under. Fireworks will begin at 10 p.m. and can be viewed from the community pool parking lot.
Jenny Wiley State Resort Park, Prestonsburg, July 3-4: Starting July 3, there will be a watermelon eating contest, old-fashioned sack race, pine derby cars and race, Huck Finn raft race, patriotic T-shirts, Independence Day face painting, patriotic crafts, and more. Tim Michaels, also known as “The One Man Band,” will perform at night. On July 4 there will be a cornhole tournament.
Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park, Gilbertsville- Good Ole USA Days, July 2-5: Starting July 2, there will be traditional activities, entertainment, music and fun. Fireworks will begin 15 minutes after dusk on July 4 at Gobbler’s Knob.
Lake Barkley State Resort Park, Cadiz- Fourth of July at the Beach, July 3: There will be a talented regional line-up of live music, beach games for the whole family, snacks and food vending, and swimming in the lake. There will be entertainment by the Harper Brothers Band and Russ Calhoun and the Cumberland Road. There will also be a fireworks display.
Lake Cumberland State Resort Park, Jamestown- July 4th Weekend, July 3-4: A campground parade at 6 p.m. on July 3 will kick off the weekend followed by a Lil’ Miss and Mr. Firecracker talent contest at 8 p.m. The Kentucky Reptile Zoo will visit on Saturday. There will be a fireworks show at the State Dock on Saturday evening.
Paintsville Lake State Park, Paintsville- Fourth of July Most Patriotic Campsite: A red, white and blue campsite decorating contest will take place on July 4. First and second place winners in both RV and tent campers will receive free camping.
Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park, Dawson Springs- Fourth of July, July 3-4: Beginning at 6:30 p.m. on July 3, the park staff will take guests to the Tradewater Pirates baseball game, which will end around 9-9:30 p.m. with fireworks. The park will also host “The World of Reptiles” program at 7:30 p.m. On July 4, there will be a mini parade in the campground, and a campsite decorating contest.
Rough River Dam State Resort Park, Falls of Rough- Rumble Over Rough River, July 3-4: There will be a DJ, concessions, and recreational activities all weekend. Fireworks will begin at 9p.m. July 4.
Taylorsville Lake State Park, Taylorsville, July 4: Activities with vendors, games, and food will begin at 2 p.m. near the Corps of Engineers offices. Live entertainment will begin at 7:30 p.m. There will also be a “Light-Up Salt River” fireworks display.
