Northern Kentucky will play host to several diverse events celebrating the nation’s 233rd birthday Saturday, July 4.
From Fort Thomas’ “4th at the Fort” event to Florence’s Car Cruise-In, NorthernKentucky will have a wide variety of events for people of all interests and ages. Beginning at 11 a.m., Covington will host the Peaselburg community’sannual Neighborhood Parade starting at St. Augustine playground. At the parade’s conclusion, children will earn awards for best-decorated bicycle, best prominent American costume and best decoration. The first 30 children who decorate their bicycles will also have the opportunity to receive a free helmet thanks to the Covington Fire Department.
Edgewood will host its Fourth of July Extravaganza beginning at 8 a.m. with the Edgewood/Insight Independence Day 5K race starting at President Park. Edgewood’s “Red, White and Blue Forever” parade is scheduled to kick off at 9:30 a.m. and band, Red Idle, will be performing at 7 p.m. on the Insight Stage. The band is scheduled to play until the firework show begins at sundown. For more information about the Fourth of July Extravaganza, call (859) 331-5910 or visit http://www.edgewoodky.gov/.
Florence’s celebration will start with the Car Cruise-In at 4 p.m. followed by the Florence Police Honor Guard at 6 p.m. Entertainer Leroy Ellington and the E-Funk Band will perform at 7 p.m. and the celebration will conclude with Rozzi’s fireworks at 10 p.m. The event will take place at the Florence Government Center, 8100 Ewing Blvd.
Fort Thomas’ “4th at the Fort” event will begin with the Firecracker 5000 race beginning at 8 a.m. and the parade will start at 10:30a.m. The celebration will be hosted in historic Tower Park. Formerly an army barracks, Tower Park recently has come under Fort Thomas government control and has been outfitted to host this event. This will be the 7th annual Fort Thomas celebration and all proceeds from the event will go to build a new amphitheater. The original amphitheater was built in 1928 and the city is looking forward to building a new amphitheater. There will be a beer garden for adults to hang out in while children partake in arts and crafts.
“Fort Thomas is a family entity,” said Flo Grey, presidentof the event’s organizing committee. “People come to gather there to see their friends they may have not seen for a year or five years. It’s like a hometown reunion. It’s like a big family, city reunion.”
Fireworks are scheduled to begin at 10 p.m. For information call (859) 441-3555 or visit http://www.ftthomas.org/.
In Fort Mitchell, a parade will begin at 12:30 p.m. with the theme “America, the Beacon of Freedom.” The route begins at Diocesan Catholic Children’s Home and will continue down Orphanage Road to Dixie Highway. Eventually, the parade will conclude at Beechwood School.
For those seeking an alternative to the typical Independence Day celebration and entertainment, Newport will be hosting its 5th annual motorcycle Charity Ride rally beginning at noon. The route will be along the banks of the Ohio River and will be followed by live bands and fireworks presentation from 1-11 p.m. Fireworks are scheduled for 10 p.m.
July 4th Events Planned At Many Kentucky State Parks
The Kentucky State Parks will be celebrating the 4th of July this year with fireworks, entertainment, camping, picnics and plenty of fun for the family.
Many state parks will be holding special events for guests and campers – some on July 4 or at other times during the holiday weekend.
The following parks will have fireworks: Barren River Lake State Resort Park, Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park, General Butler State Resort Park, Greenbo Lake State Resort Park, Kenlake State Resort Park, Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park, Lake Barkley State Resort Park and Rough River Dam State Resort Park.
“We appreciate the organizations that are supporting the fireworks displays this year at our state parks,” Parks Commissioner Gerry van der Meer said. “We receive great support from our community partners.”
Here is a listing of state park events planned for the July 4 weekend. For more information, visit http://www.parks.ky.gov/.
Barren River Lake State Resort Park, Lucas
4th of July Celebration
Join us a Barren River Lake State Resort Park for a “booming” good time. Activities for the weekend will begin on July 3, with the Pre-4th block party which will include karaoke, a non-motorized parade (be sure to show your spirit with your Red, White and Blue) and the famous “Whatever Floats Your Boat” competition. The fun will continue on the 4th as we kick off the annual beach party at 11 a.m. with WCLU radio and Gander Mountain, there will be a variety of activities throughout the day. The festivities continue with live entertainment, food vendors and the fireworks extravaganza – all sponsored by The Friends of Barren River.
For more information, contact Recreation Supervisor Lisa Deavers at lisa.deavers@ky.gov or (800) 325-0057.
Big Bone Lick State Park, Union
Creek Stomping
July 4
Explore a region of the park that will surely get you swimming with pleasure. Join the naturalist to see all the wonders that can be found and experienced in Big Bone Creek as you stay cool while learning about nature. Caution: You will get wet, extremely wet. Parents must accompany children and registration is required. Not recommended for young children. Weather permitting.
For more information about what to bring contact Todd Young at (859) 384-3522 or todd.yougn@ky.gov.
Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park, Mount Olivet
July 3-5
The Cedar Hill Institute will be kicking the weekend off with a free violin concert 1-3 p.m. at the Worthington Lodge. Hidden Waters Restaurant will serve their First Friday Seafood Buffet 4-9 p.m. On Saturday, July 4, the park naturalist will provide a free guided battlefield walk at 1 p.m. It covers ½ a mile and lasts 1 hour. Free Children’s Nature Crafts planned for Saturday. Hidden Waters Restaurant will serve their Great American Hamburger & Hot Dog Buffet from 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. A Cornhole Tournament is scheduled for Sunday, July 5. Teams must pre-register. The winning team receives a $100 Unbridled Spirit gift card and 2nd place receives a $50 gift card.
Call Paul Tierney at (800) 443-7008 to sign up your team.
Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park, Buckhorn
4th of July Celebration.
Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park will be having its Independence Day celebration on Saturday July 4. There will be activities and food. From 5-10 p.m. the band 2nd Wind will be performing on the Marina Road. Fireworks, over the lake, will be at dark. Events sponsored by Buckhorn Scenic Trail Association and Perry County Clerk’s office.
Call (800) 325-0058.
Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park, Burkesville
Independence Day Celebration
July 3-5
The park will offer various July 4 games and crafts throughout the weekend. Friday night you can show us your talent at our Karaoke contest where audience members cast their vote for their favorite. Saturday you can show your American pride with a red, white and blue tie-dye T-shirts ($5 per shirt), or join our Independence Day non-motorized parade. Saturday night get ready to dance at our pool party with a live band.
Call (800) 325-2282 for more information.
Fort Boonesborough State Park, Richmond
4th of July Fest
July 1-5
Come celebrate our nation’s birthday with a weekend of patriotic activities. The park will have scheduled times for a campers’ decoration contest, crafts, bingo, free tours, hayrides, a parade, NASCAR on the big-screen TV.
Call (859) 527-3131 for more information.
General Burnside State Park, Burnside
Independence Day
July 3-5
Kids can decorate their bikes and join in on the July 4th Parade. But you don't need a bike -- we can decorate you to walk in the parade. Activites, games and prizes for all ages. On the 5th of July there will be a Checker Tournament for ages 8 and up to see who is the Checker King or Queen. We will also have a watermelon seed spitting contest. So come enjoy your 4th of July with us. Events start July 4, at 5 p.m. and July 5, at 10 a.m.
Call (606) 561-4104 for more information.
General Butler State Resort Park, Carrollton
Fireworks over Butler Lake
July 4
Spend the weekend at General Butler State Resort Park and take in an explosive fireworks celebration over Butler Lake at 9:30 p.m. The park will have musical entertainment starting around 7 p.m. located in the park’s front entrance. We suggest viewing our fireworks show from the Butler Lake Beachfront Area. Remember bring along a blanket or chair for your comfort. As always this event is free and open to the general public.
Call (866) 462-8853 for more information.
Greenbo Lake State Resort Park, Greenup
July 4
The evening festivities will kick off at the Greenbo Lake Amphitheatre with a 7:30 p.m. concert featuring The Kentucky Blue Collar Band. The band adds a little bid of Blues, with a little bid of Rock, and then adds a Southern Country Boy attitude to round out the original and unique sound of The Kentucky Blue Collar Band. Bring you lawn chairs and blankets. Admission is $5 per person, children 12 years to 6 years of age $2, and children 5 years and under free. Fireworks will start at 10 p.m. from the Community Pool Parking Lot.
Call (800) 325-0083 for more information.
Jenny Wiley State Resort Park, Prestonsburg
July 3-4
Starting Friday, July 3, the park will hold a Watermelon Eating Contest, Old-Fashion Sack Race, Pine Derby Cars and Race, Huck Finn Raft Race, Patriotic T-Shirts, Independence Day Face Painting, patriotic crafts, and much more. Special guest Tim Michaels -- “The One Man Band” – will perform Friday night and on Saturday the park will hold a cornhole tournament.
Call (800) 325-0142 for more information.
Kenlake State Resort Park, Aurora
Fireworks on July 2
Kenlake State Resort Park will be the site for a fireworks show on July 2, sponsored by Kenlake Marina, Ken Oak Resort and Twin Lakes Moorings. The fun starts at 6:30 p.m. with volleyball, tug of war and ultimate Frisbee. Bring a blanket to enjoy the show at the old Kenlake Beach.
Call (800) 325-0143 for more information.
Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park, Gilbertsville
Good Ole USA Days
July 2-5
A four-day celebration of our nation's birthday with traditional activities, entertainment, music, and FUN. There will be fireworks 15 minutes after dusk on July 4. The fireworks will be set off at Gobbler’s Knob which runs parallel to the marina and can be viewed from the lodge.
Call (800) 325-0146 for more information.
Lake Barkley State Resort Park, Cadiz
4th of July at the Beach – July 3
Celebrate America at Lake Barkley Beach. Join us on Friday, July 3, for an awesome fireworks display, a talented regional line-up of live music, beach games for the whole family, snacks and food vending and a cool swim in the lake. Entertainment by the Harper Brothers band and Russ Calhoun and the Cumberland Road. The fireworks display is sponsored by local businesses, the city of Cadiz and other individuals.
Call (800) 325-1708 for more information.
Lake Cumberland State Resort Park, Jamestown
July 4 Weekend
Lake Cumberland State Resort Park will kick off the weekend with a campground parade on Friday at 6 p.m. followed by a Lil’ Miss and Mr. Firecracker Talent Contest for ages 12 and under at 8 p.m. The Kentucky Reptile Zoo will visit on Saturday. There will be a fireworks show at the State Dock Saturday evening.
Call (800) 325-1709 for more information.
Paintsville Lake State Park, Paintsville
4th of July Most Patriotic Campsite
Join Paintsville Lake State Park in celebrating the 4th of July! Decorate your campsite in red, white, and blue and show your pride in the USA. First and second place winners in both RV and Tent campers will receive free camping.
Call (606) 297-8486 for more information.
Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park, Dawson Springs
July 4
Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park will create the perfect patriotic atmosphere this Fourth of July weekend. Along with regularly scheduled recreation activities, the park will have some extra fun for the weekend. At 6:30 p.m. on July 3, the park staff will take guests to the Tradewater Pirates baseball game, which will end with a bang of fireworks around 9-9:30 p.m.
The park will also host "The World of Reptiles" program presented by award winning naturalist Scott Shupe at 7:30 p.m. On July 4, there will be a mini parade in the campground, and a campsite decorating contest, so bring supplies to decorate your bikes, wagons, and campsites for Independence Day.
Call (800) 325-1711 for more information.
Rough River Dam State Resort Park, Falls of Rough
Rumble Over Rough River
You will hear a Rumble over Rough River Lake as the park celebrates Independence Day with its annual fireworks display on Saturday, July 4. This year will be even bigger and better than previous year thanks to Rough River Lake Business and Tourism Association, Inc. The park will have a DJ entertaining before the fireworks and concessions will also be available. Fourth of July related recreational activities will be going on all weekend long as well as other special entertainment. Fireworks will begin at approximately 9 p.m.
Call (800) 325-1713 for more information.
Taylorsville Lake State Park, Taylorsville
July 4
The park will host live entertainment on July 4, beginning at 7:30 p.m. featuring Brushfire. Other activities near the park start at 2 p.m. with vendors, games, and food near the Corps of Engineers offices. The Taylorsville/Spencer County tourism office is sponsoring a “Light-Up Salt River” fireworks at the Corps of Engineers office.
Call (502) 477-8713 for more information.
