Fourth of July Area Events are Announced
By Roberta Cantrell
BSN Editor
With Independence Day falling on Thursday some cities in the area have decided to plan events and activities the Saturday before the holiday Saturday, June 29, and some for the actual date of the holiday while others decided the weekend after worked out better for their city or area to hold their celebrations.
The 6th Annual Willard Independence Day Celebration is Saturday, June 29, beginning at 5 p.m. with food trucks, on-site vendors and free inflatables. There will be a Gun Raffle Drawing and a Flag Retirement Ceremony at 7 p.m. with fireworks at dark. The event is located at 8904 S. St. Hwy 1, Willard and is sponsored by Willard Post 342.
The area of Oneida will have their Red, White and Camp on Saturday, June 29, with activities and water slide from 12-5 p.m. Music by Travis Napier will be from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m., with fireworks at dusk.
The City of Louisa decided during their June city council meeting to have their events, Thursday, July 4, with a parade at 5 p.m., lineup in the Louisa Plaza at 4 p.m.; live Bluegrass music with 5 For the Gospel, Elijah Boggs and Mountain Echoes and Hillbilly Tradition, at 6 p.m., in the Main Street Park, across from the library, with fireworks starting at 10 p.m.
The Louisa City Police Chief, Greg Fugitt issued a statement about fireworks in the city. “As the holiday approaches please keep in mind that if you plan to have a fireworks display, that the City of Louisa has a fireworks ordinance (#17-08). Fireworks can be used on July 3 and July 4, from 10 a.m. to midnight. Any other displays or uses must file for a permit through the city clerk’s office and be approved by the fire chief and the mayor. Violators will be fined $500.00. For information, call 606-638-4050.
Prestonsburg also plan to celebrate on the fourth as well with their events beginning at 5 p.m., with what they call “Star City Days.”
Magician Brad Eickoff will kick off the celebration followed by The Hosscat Band at 6 p.m.; Troy Carlois Band at 7 p.m.; Longshot at 8 p.m.; and Rock of Ages at 9 p.m. Closing out the night will be a firework show at dark.
There will also be a carnival at Archer Park in Prestonsburg on Saturday, June 29.
Creekside Cabins in Fallsburg (Lawrence County) will be celebrating Friday, July 5, with the Cornbread Orchestra taking the stage at 7 p.m. and playing until time for fireworks to begin. For more information of their events go to creeksidecabinsrvpark.com.
Also, in Fallsburg on Saturday, July 6, the Fallsburg Fire Department is hosting a parade with lineup beginning at 3 p.m. and parade beginning at 4 p.m. The parade route will start at the Fallsburg Campground, go to Creekside Cabins and circle back to the Campground. Fallsburg will also be having their fireworks starting at dark.
Blaine announced they will have their events at the Cratis Williams Building (formerly Blaine Community Center) Saturday, July 6. Activities will begin at 10 a.m., and will include a swap meet, car show hosted by BES 8th grade, concessions, inflatables and a lot of other activities scheduled.
Inez has scheduled their events to take place Saturday, July 6, at the Collier Center. Festivities will begin at 6:30 p.m., with a parade, food, music, fireworks and more. Parade line-up will begin at 6 p.m. at the Martin County Swimming Pool. Vendors can call 606-298-7766.
The City of Paintsville has cancelled all Fourth of July events this year.