Whether its fireworks, live music or a parade, this year’s Independence Day celebrations in Whitley County and the surrounding area will offer a little something for everyone.
Corbin festivities
The Corbin Tourism and Convention Commission and The Corbin Arena will proudly present an “Independence Day Fireworks Spectacular,” on Thursday, July 3, at The Corbin Arena, which is located at 500 Arena Drive.
Pre-fireworks festivities will kick off at 7 p.m. with delicious food trucks and inflatable fun for kids. There will be live music starting at 7 p.m. with the Pistol Whip band.
Starting at 9 p.m. the Corbin Tourism and Convention Commission will hand out free 3D firework goggles.
“Then at 9:45 p.m., look to the sky as we light up the night with a dazzling fireworks display you won’t want to miss!” the Corbin Tourism and Convention Commission wrote on its Facebook page. “Bring your lawn chairs, your family, and your festive spirit and let’s celebrate together.”
Williamsburg bell ringing
Williamsburg will have a few Independence Day festivities taking place throughout the day on Friday, July 4, including a parade that afternoon.
The festivities start at 11 a.m. with a celebration of the signing of the Declaration of Independence by the local chapters of the Sons of the American Revolution and Daughters of the American Revolution at Patriot Park (in front of a replica of Independence Hall) on the campus of the University of the Cumberlands.
In lieu of a speaker this year, there will be live music, and a display of the 17 Revolutionary War era flags. Some of the individuals in the program will wear Revolutionary War period dress.
The program will include an honor guard and bell ringing. The event will last no longer than one hour.
Williamsburg parade
This year Williamsburg has added a parade to the Fourth of July festivities, and all veterans are being asked to attend or be in the parade.
Line-up for the parade is expected to start about 1 p.m. at the Williamsburg Independent School. At 2 p.m., the parade will start from there and travel down Main Street past the courthouse. It will then turn onto Second Street where it will disburse, said Jayma Moore, one of the parade organizers.
Local businesses and vendors are being encouraged to set up around the courthouse square to sell their goods from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
“They are welcome to set up a table and sell their items downtown there. There is no cost to set up,” Moore noted. “We have a lot of people that are calling. It should be good.”
The festivities will begin about 1:30 p.m. with a flag raising and a 21-gun salute on the courthouse square, which will involve the American Legion. The national anthem will be sung as the flag is raised.
The song Yankee Doodle Dandy will also be played in addition to other performances.
People are encouraged to arrive about 1 p.m. to be on the safe side.
“If you are a veteran or would like to be in the parade, come join us,” organizers wrote on a flier.
For more information, contact Kay Petrey at (606) 765-0701 or Jayma Moore at (606) 523-8384.
Waterpark festivities
Pre-fireworks festivities will take place starting at 7 p.m. on Friday, July 4, at the Kentucky Splash Waterpark. There will be no entry charge at the waterpark after 7 p.m.
Concessions will be open with a grilled hotdog, chips and a drink available for $5. Dippin Dots and Hawaiian Ice will also be sold.
At 7:30 p.m., there will be a hot dog eating contest next to the gift shop. The entry fee is $1.
At 8 p.m., the annual duck derby will take place in the lazy river, which will offer a $500 grand prize to the winner. Second place will be two nights camping at the Kentucky Splash Campground.
Proceeds from the duck derby will go to the Williamsburg Police Department Shop with a Cop program, which takes less fortunate children on $100 shopping sprees at Christmas time.
Fireworks will take place at dark.
For more information, call (606) 549-6065.
Other festivities
The Red, White & Boom Parade will take place in downtown Barbourville starting at 9 p.m. on Friday, July 4. The parade will end at Knox Middle School.
Fireworks will take place at 10 p.m. on Friday, July 4, in downtown Barbourville. Fireworks will launch from the American Legion Field.
The City of Jellico will also have fireworks this year on Friday, July 4, at Veterans Park in downtown Jellico starting at 10 p.m.
West Knox Volunteer Fire and Rescue has announced on its Facebook page that it will not be having a Fourth of July fireworks show this year.
