Fourth of July festivities planned for Whitley County, surrounding areas

The Fourth of July is just around the corner, and there’s no better time than the present to ignite your patriotic spirit with fun and exciting activities in your area.

Corbin

The City of Corbin has a super fun and eventful day planned on Monday, July 3, for the community regarding Independence Day.

The “Boom, Bubbles & BBQ” event from 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. at the Corbin Arena is completely free.

There will be a DJ, foam party, inflatables, face painting, and more.

The CHS Band Boosters will sell concessions, as well as the Grub Hutt, Sweet Curls Rolled Ice Cream, Hendrickson’s Kettle Corn, and more. They are asking for your support.

To finalize the event, a huge fireworks show will start at 9:45 p.m.

Corbin Tourism encourages people to bring lawn chairs or blankets.

On the other hand, Thunder Mountain Speedway has fun events happening on Friday, June 30, and Saturday. July 1. They plan to have great racing, stuff for the family, and fantastic fireworks. Also, they will have live entertainment and festivities.

Specifically, the June 30 event starts at 2 p.m., and the pit meeting is at 7 p.m. Pit passes are $35, grandstands are $15, and kids 10 and under are free.

More information – 604 Pro Late models $1200 to win; Open Wheel Mods $1000 to win; Hobby Stocks $400 to win, FWD $400 to win.

On July 1, there is a huge firework show. Pit passes are $45; Grandstands are $20, and kids 10 & under get in for free.

More information – 604 Pro Late models $3,500 to win; Open Wheel Mods  $1,500 to win; Sportsman Late Models $1,000 to win; Hobby Stocks $800 to win; FWD $800 to win.

There is free camping available on both nights.

Also, on July 1, Thunder Mountain Speedway will have free snow cones, a cornhole tournament, a dunking booth, inflatables, Pistol Whip in concert, and more. The gate opens at 2 p.m., and the events begin at 3 p.m.

London

London’s Red, White & Boom annual event will be on Saturday, July 1. All festivities will begin at 4 p.m. with southeastern Kentucky’s largest fireworks show beginning at dusk. Also, that evening, the London Community Orchestra will present Patriotic music at 7 p.m. at First Baptist Church. They always end in time for the fireworks, so there is room to attend both events.

The Red, White, and Boom festivities occur at College Park, located off Highway 192 in London. The fireworks can be viewed from the roadways and areas surrounding the park.

Williamsburg

The city of Williamsburg is inviting everyone to celebrate Independence Day with them on Tuesday, July 4. The event will be held at Kentucky Splash Waterpark and Campground. There is no entry fee to the waterpark after 7 p.m.

To start the day, there will be a free bell-ringing ceremony at the University of the Cumberland’s Patriot Park in front of the Hutton School of Business at 11 a.m. The bell is a replica of the Liberty Bell commemorating the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. The bell will be rung 13 times, once each for the 13 original colonies, which later became the 13 original states.

The ringing of the Liberty Bell will feature the Bear/Weebalos Den from the Whitley County Cub Scout Pack 92. Several community leaders will read the Declaration of Independence. Group singing will be led by Dr. Jeff Smoak, Professor of Music at the University of the Cumberlands. The guest speaker this year is Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Michael Warren.

Later in the day, there will be an event called “Picnic in the Park” under the umbrella by the gift shop in the Kentucky Splash waterpark at 7 p.m. There will be grilled hotdogs, chips, and drinks for $6. Also, Hawaiian ice and dippin’ dots will be available.

Additionally, there will be a hotdog eating contest at 7:30 p.m. with a $1 entry fee beside the gift shop.

Then, there will be a duck race at 8 p.m. with a $500 grand prize. The ducks can be purchased at admissions.

While waiting for the fireworks, they will have lifeguard games, such as kayak races provided by the staff.

Mayor Roddy Harrison encourages folks to bring lawn chairs for comfort and enjoyment.

Later in the week on Friday, July 7, the City of Williamsburg has a block party planned at Bill Woods Park from 8 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Jellico

The City of Jellico has a load of fun planned for Independence Day.

They will start the events on Monday, July 3.

They have entertainment planned at the W.H. Bowlin Family Stage at 10 a.m. The artists or bands is yet to be announced but it is likely to feature local talent. It is open to all bands, musicians, and singers/songwriters. Call City Hall to book your spot if you are interested.

At 5 p.m., round one of the Corn-Hole Tournament will begin.

At 7 p.m., they have a fun Bicycle Parade planned on North Main Street and are welcoming all ages wanting to participate.

Then, the local band Three Years Apart will perform at 7:30 p.m. at the W.H. Bowlin Family Stage.

The following day, July 4, they will begin with local talent at noon at the W.H. Bowlin Family Stage.

The Final Four of the Corn-Hole Tournament will compete at 2 p.m.

The local band Three Years Apart will perform again at 6 p.m. at W.H. Bowlin Family Stage.

At 8 p.m., Doug Mathis will perform at the W.H. Bowlin Family Stage.

And for the big finale, the fireworks show will begin at 10 p.m.

The City of Jellico encourages people to bring chairs and have fun.

Barbourville

The City of Barbourville has several events to ensure fun for anyone in the area for Independence Day.

Their Red, White, & Boom event is scheduled for Saturday, July 1. They have food trucks, live music, and family fun planned.

The following events will be held at Court Square:

The market on the Square will be from 7 a.m. – 1 p.m.

At 11 a.m., there will be a Patriotic Pet Costume Contest.

From 11 a.m. –  8 p.m., they will have a fun Independence Day Beach Party. From 1 p.m. – 8 p.m., they will have an event called “Skate the City.”

From 2 p.m. – 8 p.m., there will be an exciting Patriotic Foam Party.

At 2 p.m., any kid that is interested can be in the Kids Red, White, & Blue Parade.

From 3 p.m. – 8 p.m., there will be an event called Knox Street Thunder.

From 4 p.m. – 10 p.m., there will be a live DJ.

At 4 p.m., there will be a Mr. & Miss July Fest Pageant.

At 7 p.m., the Hot Dog Eating Contest will take place, ensuring an overstuffed stomach.

From 7:30 p.m. – 9 p.m., the Street Dance event will occur.

At 9 p.m., there will be a Red, White, & Blue parade.

Finally, the event will finalize with fabulous fireworks at 10 p.m.

The following events will be occurring on the same day at Thompson Park:

From 11 a.m. – 6 p.m., there will be a Star Wars Millennium Falcon Experience Inflatable.

There will be outdoor concerts – 4:30 p.m. Micah Corey; 6 p.m. Tyra Madison; 8 p.m. Dillon Carmichael.

The Knox Drive-In will have a double feature of Indiana Jones and The Boogeyman from June 29, 30 – July 1, 2. The gate opens at 7 p.m., and the movie begins at dusk.

Then, on July 4, Top Gun will be shown as their “Throwback Tuesday” movie.