Bicentennial Independence Day celebration planned in Louisa

BSN STAFF REPORT

In celebration of its 200th birthday, Lawrence County will have Bicennential Independence Day activities in Louisa on Friday, July 1, and Saturday, July 2.

The Lawrence County Public Library will have a bicentennial display on July 1 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Opening ceremonies will begin at 6 p.m. on July 1, at Main Street Park, 110 E. Main St., across from the library.

Adam Chaffins and Brit Taylor will perform live at 7 p.m., followed by the Rachel Messer Band.

The morning of July 2 will be busy with an 8 a.m. Bicentennial History Hike around Louisa, beginning at the Fred M. Vinson Museum on Vinson Ave. No registration is needed to hike. The museum will open to the public at 10:30 a.m.

Historical displays will open the public from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., at the Lawrence County Public Library.

Inflatables, a dunking booth, and arts and crafts tents will all open at 10 a.m., along with food vendors. For information on how to participate, call Tamyra New at 606-624-6094.

The Bicentennial Parade with former Gov. Paul Patton as grand marshal will begin at 11 a.m., with lineup beginning at 10 a.m., in the Louisa Plaza. Anyone wishing to participate in the parade (floats, decorated vehicles or walking) or needs information on how to sign-up can call Brenda Hardwick at 606-225-5722.

Following the parade, ceremonies will be held with speakers and music at the Main Street Park.

A gospel/bluegrass concert will be held from 1:30-4:30 p.m. on the main stage. Singing will be 5 for The Gospel, Living Water, West Liberty Mountain Boys, and Zack and Michelle Wright. Times will be announced closer to event.

The Bicentennial Vintage Car Show will begin at 1:30 p.m. in front of the Lawrence County Courthouse in downtown.

Mark Wood Magic will perform throughout the afternoon. A Hot Dog Eating Contest will also be held, with the time and place to be announced later. Hot air balloon rides will also be from 5-8 p.m., with the place and price to be announced later.

Alan “Corduroy” Brown will take the stage at 6 p.m., followed by the Carpenter Ants at 7 p.m., and the M.F.B. Band will close out the music at 8:30 p.m.

The annual fireworks display by the Louisa Fire Department will close the celebration at 10 p.m.