LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The day when we celebrate our country's independence is here.
While the Fourth of July commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Independence, it took a long time for it to become the celebration it is today.
The actual vote for independence actually happened two days earlier, History.com says – but July 4 is seen as the "birthday" of American independence.
From the fireworks to the live music to the hotdogs and burgers, there's a little something for everyone this Independence Day.
Not sure where to celebrate in Kentuckiana? Here are some suggestions!
Kentucky
- July 4
- 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- Waterfront Park
Not only will the Louisville Orchestra be playing, but other family activities and food trucks will be present as a professional fireworks display goes off over the Ohio River according to the website.
The following items are prohibited: Glass, coolers, fireworks, pets, outside food & alcohol, amplification devices, signage larger than 24” x 24”, bicycles and skateboards.
- July 4
- Doors open at 5 p.m.
- Paristown
- Tickets start at $12 if they’re bought in advance, VIP is $45
This family-friendly event will have local food and live music going at Christy’s Garden, as well as the Brent Street Artisan Market shoppers can visit.
And who doesn’t love donuts? The first-ever Kentuckiana Donut Hole Eating Championship is happening this day as well according to the website. Competitors will try to eat as many donut holes as possible in five minutes to win a $1,000 grand prize.
- July 4
- 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Peterson-Dumesnil House in Crescent Hill
The 38th annual Crescent Hill July 4th Festival promises games, exhibitor booths, live music and an auction to help celebrate our nation’s independence.
- July 4
- Free
- 10 p.m. to 11 p.m.
- Wendell Moore Park in La Grange, Kentucky
Fireworks are scheduled to start at 10 p.m. and guests are asked to bring blankets or chairs.
- July 4
- Free
- 7 p.m.
- Corner of Buck Creek Road and US 60
Simpsonville officials ask that no tents, grills, personal fireworks or alcohol is brought to this event. Click here to see where guests will be allowed to park.
- July 4
- Free
- 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
- Brooks Parade Field
Lawn chairs, blankets and coolers are allowed at this Independence Day celebration hosted by the folks at Fort Knox. A Salute to the Nation ceremony will start at 9 p.m. followed immediately by fireworks at 10 p.m.
- July 4
- Fireworks start at 10 p.m. but people can start arriving at 7 p.m.
- Elizabethtown Community Technical College
- July 4
- 8 a.m.
- Registration is $30
- St. Matthews Baptist Church
Part of the River City Races Run the 502, this race started back in the 1970's in what was then called the St. Matthews Pavement Pounder. Click here for the course map.
- July 7
- Free
- 6 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
- Springs Park in La Grange, Kentucky
While the fireworks start at 10 p.m. guests are encouraged to start arriving around 6 p.m. for music as well as food and drink vendors.
- July 8
- 8 a.m. to noon
- Tickets start at $45
- Schamback Park, 6617 Main St., Westport, KY 40077
The 16th annual Firecracker 5K will have runners make their way through Westport, Kentucky, following Highway 524 along the Ohio River to the halfway point, then it returns the same way. You can sign up here.
Indiana
- July 3 and July 4
- 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. on July 3, and 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on July 4
- Pekin, Indiana
The 193rd 4th of July celebration has everything from basketball tournaments to various contests to a live performance from Juice Box Heroes. For a full schedule of events click here.
- July 4
- 10 a.m. to noon
- Historic downtown Jeffersonville
This story will be updated as more events are scheduled.
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