Lots of Independence Day festivities planned

Independence Day is approaching, which means it is time for food, fun, and most importantly, fireworks. Celebrations across the Tri-County area are scheduled to take place as follows:

Saturday, July 2, is the annual Red, White and Boom event presented by the City of London Tourism at College Park. It is Southeastern Kentucky’s largest fireworks display. Gates will open at 3 p.m. with activities beginning at 4 p.m. The fireworks are scheduled to ignite at dusk.

Attractions include sky-divers, zip-lines, stilt walkers, a mechanical bull, inflatables, a children’s magic show and much more are planned. Director of the event Sharon Benge says that everything is free, other than the food booths, which are provided by the Laurel Shrine Club and the Laurel County Cattleman’s Association.

There will also be live entertainment from musical guests, Delicious and The Moron Brothers.

On July 3, Corbin will begin their celebration of the Fourth of July by having live music and fireworks at the Arena. Their event entitled “Celebrate America” will kick off at 6:45 p.m. with performances by Timberline Road and County Wide.

The Arena will also be serving refreshments, and there will be an ice cream truck and shaved ice vendor on location.

Fireworks are scheduled to go off at 9:45 that evening. Guests must bring their own chairs and blankets. Entry to the event is free of charge.

In Williamsburg, residents and guests alike are welcome to join the city for a Fourth of July parade occurring on Main Street. This is the first year that they have had a parade of this stature, says Director of the Parade, Erin Stires.

On July 4, Float line up is at 12:30 p.m. at Williamsburg City School with the parade to follow at 2 p.m. Erin Stires also stated there will be a variety of floats, including some from local youth groups and horse and buggies.

“We’re hoping to build on this and continue it on to next year,” said Stires.

Also to take place in Williamsburg that evening is the annual fireworks show held at Kentucky Splash Waterpark. The fireworks are set to take off as soon as it gets dark, which is generally around 9 p.m. Though there will be some chairs available, guests are invited (and encouraged) to bring their own.

Also on July 4, Barbourville will have their fireworks display at the waterpark, accompanied by live music. The fireworks are scheduled to begin close to 9:45 p.m. and all attendees are advised to bring their own chairs.

In addition, a fireworks display near the Old Lynn Camp school is scheduled to take place on the fourth as well. What began as a private celebration of Independence Day for the firefighters is now a community event that the locals enjoy with them. West Knox Fire Chief Daryl Baker says that the fireworks display is like a grand finale that lasts for 30 minutes solid. They will begin the show between 9:30 and 10 p.m. behind station one.