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As Louisville residents prepare to celebrate the Fourth of July, Louisville Metro Government officials are urging residents to stay safe – including those attending outdoor events amid a heat index that could reach 110 degrees.
In addition, Louisville Fire officials discouraged residents from using consumer fireworks, which can be dangerous, and instead attend a public display by trained professionals. This year, the Louisville Waterfront Fourth celebration will feature free musical entertainment, family activities, a patriotic installation of 15,000 U.S. flags, festival cuisine and a Zambelli fireworks display from a barge on the Ohio River. https://louisvillewaterfront.com/plan-your-visit/calendar/waterfront-fou…
Celebrations are also planned at Historic Locust Grove and in the Crescent Hill neighborhood on the grounds of the Peterson-Dumesnil House.
“Independence Day is a wonderful time to celebrate our great country and spend time with our family, friends and neighbors,” Mayor Greg Fischer said. “I want to encourage people to take precautions, so they can still enjoy the Fourth and keep themselves and their family safe.”
Extremely high or unusually hot temperatures can affect your health. Most vulnerable are the elderly, those who work or exercise outdoors, infants and children, the homeless or poor, and those with chronic medical conditions. City officials advised residents to use air conditioning and limit outdoor and strenuous activity; wear light, loose-fitting clothing; check on family and neighbors; drink plenty of water and don’t leave people or pets in a car for any period of time.
In addition, watch for the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which include:
- Exhaustion
- Excessive sweating
- Rapid, weak pulse
- Dizziness
- Stroke
- No sweating
- Rapid, strong pulse
- Headache
To help residents cool off, Louisville Parks and Recreation officials said three pools are open on July 4 for those who need to cool off: Algonquin, Fairdale and Norton (Camp Taylor). Also, more than 30 spray grounds will be open.
Louisville Metro Air Pollution Control District issued a reminder that it is illegal in Louisville Metro to shoot off airborne and/or exploding fireworks in your yard or neighborhood. They are also not permitted in public parks.
Fireworks cause an average of nearly 18,500 reported fires each year in the U.S., according to the National Fire Protection Association. Thousands of people, most often children, are injured while using fireworks, including sparklers.
Capt. Salvador Melendez of the Louisville Division of Fire recommends that residents follow the following safety tips:
- Leave fireworks to the professionals.
- Do not use consumer fireworks.
- Do not allow children to pick up leftover fireworks, as they may still be active.
The Ohio River will come alive with fireworks and fun on Saturday, June 30th at the Riverview Independence Festival presented by Brown-Forman and Kosair Charities.
The celebration will be a day of music, entertainment, and family fun in the beautiful southwest park along the Ohio River and this year features an all- new musical lineup and expanded kids activity area! At night, patriotic sounds and spectacular lights of fireworks will emanate from a barge on the Ohio River for a stunning display with a picturesque backdrop.
“I am excited for the Southwest to host what has become an Independence Holiday tradition in our community,” said Blackwell. “The Riverview Festival is the perfect way to start your holiday weekend, with thousands of your friends and neighbors enjoying music, family fun, and fireworks together.”
The Riverview Independence Festival will begin at 3:00 pm and will cap off with the Fireworks show at 10:00 pm.
“Brown-Forman is proud to continue our support of the Riverview Independence Festival. We look forward to the continued growth and success of this beloved Southwest tradition,” says Carly Launius, Community Relations Manager for Brown-Forman.
The Riverview Festival stage boasts an all-new musical lineup with rising country music star Cale Dodds as our headliner. Rounding out the stage are local singer-songwriter Justin Paul Lewis, teen country sensation Bailey James, and up-and-coming country singer Shane Dawson Band.
This free community event will be a day of fun for the whole family. The highlights of this year’s festival include:
- WAVE 3’s Dawne Gee, David Mattingly and Ryan Hoke will emcee the day’s events
- Kids can enjoy outdoor adventure activities from the Jefferson Memorial Forest ECHO Mobile and Elemental Climb’s Rock Climbing Wall
- Appearances by Squallis Puppeteers and Louisville League of Mascots
- WUOL’s 90.5 Classical Corner with Jecorey Arthur for a hands-on experience with classical music
- Make your own slime and silly putty from Mad Science of Kentucky
- Patriotic Photo Booth with red, white and blue accessories
- Beat the heat with the Riverview Spray Ground and refillable water station
- Enjoy food from Ramiro’s Cantina, Moelicious BBQ, Sivori Fair Foods and Ehrler’s Ice Cream
Limited parking is available at the event site. Additional parking will be available at LG&E, located at 7301 Distribution Drive. A shuttle service from the LG&E lot to the park will be provided by TARC for attendees from 4:00 to 10:45 pm.
Joining Blackwell as Metro Council sponsors are Cindi Fowler (D-14), Vicki Aubrey Welch (D-13), (D-15), President David Yates (D-25), Madonna Flood (D-24), Marianne Butler (D-15), Jessica Green (D-1), Pat Mulvihill (D-10), James Peden (R-23) and Council President David James (D-6).
“This southwest tradition would not be possible without the partnership from our community sponsors. We are thrilled that Brown-Forman and Kosair Charities have returned as Presenting Sponsors for this year’s event and are thankful to all of the businesses that have invested in this event and our southwest community,” says Blackwell.
Brown-Forman and Kosair have returned as presenting sponsors of the event. WAVE3 News, G105.1, 102.3 JackFM, LG&E, Signarama Dixie, Atlas Machine & Supply, Café Press, Owen Funeral Home and Metro PCS have contributed as lead sponsors. Algood Food Company and Coit Cleaning have signed on as Proud Patrons.
To see a listing of all the events for the 7th Annual Riverview Park Independence Festival presented by Brown-Forman and Kosair Charities, visit www.RiverviewFestival.com
Photo: Louisville Metro Parks and Recreation
Metro Parks & Recreation is offering an affordable family golfing package at its nine golf courses on Tuesday, July 4.
For only $25, a family of up to four members can play nine holes at any Metro Parks course. The $25 includes greens and cart fees, and families can take advantage of the deal after 4:30 p.m. on July 4.
Families are encouraged to call in advance to book a tee time at the golf course of their choice.
“Our courses are in great shape, and we’re hoping for a lot of play from families this summer,” said Metro Parks and Recreation Director Seve Ghose. “This special leaves plenty of room to play nine holes and enjoy a family barbecue and even fireworks at night.”
Metro Parks golf courses are open from daylight to dark seven days a week.
ABOUT METRO PARKS GOLF:
Louisville’s nine public golf courses offer a quality golfing experience at some of the most affordable prices in the nation. Each course has its own unique character, and some consistently rank among Kentucky’s best and most challenging courses. The nine municipally-owned golf courses meet the needs of everyone from beginners to scratch golfers. For more information, visit https://louisvilleky.gov/government/parks/golf-courses
Bobby Nichols Golf Course, 4301 E. Pages Lane, 502/937-9051 (9 holes)
Charlie Vettiner Golf Course, 10207 Mary Dell Lane, 502/267-9958 (18 holes)
Cherokee Golf Course, 2501 Alexander Road, 502/458-9450 (9 holes)
Crescent Hill Golf Course, 3110 Brownsboro Road, 502/896-9193 (9 holes)
Iroquois Golf Course, 1501 Rundill Road, 502/363-9520 (18 holes)
Long Run Golf Course, 1605 Flat Rock Road, 502/245-9015 (18 holes)
Seneca Golf Course, 2300 Pee Wee Reese Blvd, 502/458-9298 (18 holes)
Shawnee Golf Course, 460 Northwestern Parkway, 502/776-9389 (18 holes)
Sun Valley Golf Course, 6505 Bethany Lane, 502/937-9228 (18 holes)
Credit: KY State Parks
Let the Kentucky State Parks help you celebrate the 4th of July weekend this year!
Several state parks are planning special events that include fireworks displays, picnics, entertainment and more.
These parks are planning fireworks shows: Kenlake, Kentucky Dam Village, My Old Kentucky Home, Lake Barkley, Lake Cumberland, Barren River Lake and Rough River Dam.
There will also be special events at campgrounds as well as entertainment and recreational activities.
For a list of July 4th events at state parks, visit: http://parks.ky.gov/fourth-of-july/
For more information about Kentucky State Parks, including lodging and camping reservations, visit: www.parks.ky.gov
On Saturday, July 1st, Southwest Louisville is once again ready to celebrate the Fourth of July Holiday weekend with fireworks and fun as the 6th Annual Riverview Independence Festival, presented by Brown-Forman, Kosair Charities and Metro PCS, gets underway.
“I invite everyone from across Louisville to come to the Riverview Festival to see the fun and festivities we have to offer,” says Councilman Rick Blackwell, D-12. “I am proud of this event as it continues to grow each year and has become a point of pride for our Southwest community.”
It’s a patriotic celebration of music, entertainment, and family fun at the beautiful Riverview Park along the scenic Ohio River. Then, at night, spectacular lights of fireworks will emanate from a barge on the Ohio River for a stunning display with a picturesque backdrop.
“Brown-Forman is a proud supporter of the Riverview Independence Festival – a treasured Southwest tradition that provides an opportunity for our community to gather together in one of Louisville’s most beautiful settings as we celebrate the birth of our nation,” says Carly Launius, Community Relations Manager for Brown-Forman. “We are so please to be a part of this annual event and look forward to seeing its continued growth and success.”
“The Riverview Independence Festival has become a hallmark event in Southwest Louisville,” says Randy Coe, Kosair Charities Board President. “This family-friendly event provides free activities and entertainment for both kids and parents. We are excited to be a part of the fun and community it helps to build.”
“MetroPCS is proud to be a sponsor for the 4th year in a row. Each year we look forward to spending time with our neighbors at the festival,” says Leigh Anne Burke-Schaad, Field Marketing Manager for Metro PCS.
The Riverview Independence Festival will begin at 3:00 pm and will cap off with the Fireworks show at 10:00 pm. It is a free event.
Among the highlights of this year’s Festival:
- Appearances by Abe Lincoln and Col. Sanders from Squallis Puppeteers
- Mad Science experiments to make your own slime and cotton candy
- Mingle with Louisville League of Mascots
- Beat the heat with the Riverview Sprayground
- Bring your refillable water bottles to fill up with “The Bubbler”
- Enjoy fair food from Kentuckiana Catering and Hot Diggety Dogs
- Dawne Gee, Kayla Vanover, Julian Glover from WAVE 3 News will be our emcees for the festival activities
- Musical performances by The Louisville Crashers and Sobourbon Shooters
- Fantastic Fireworks show on the River at 10:00 pm!
Limited parking is available at the event site. Additional parking will be available at LG&E, located at 7301 Distribution Drive. A shuttle service from the school to the park will be provided by TARC for attendees from 4:00 to 10:45 pm.
“Come join us for some patriotic fun at a festival that has quickly become a great tradition and is a great way to celebrate the holiday while enjoying one of the best parks in Southwest Louisville,” said Councilwoman Cindi Fowler (D-14).
“Another fabulous free event for families to enjoy our beautiful riverfront along with music, booths, and food options! Bring a chair or blanket and have fun!” said Councilwoman Vicki Aubrey Welch (D-13).
“This Festival is a great way to just kick back with family and friends and enjoy the 4th of July weekend,” says President David Yates (D-25). Community spirit is built when both public and private sectors come together to give the community a free event to celebrate our country’s rich heritage.”
In addition to this year’s Presenting Sponsors, the Riverview Festival is supported by many local businesses whose commitment to our community is essential to the success of the Festival. Lead Sponsors this year include WAVE3 News, LG&E, Atlas Machine & Supply, Café Press and Signarama Dixie. Algood Food Company and Owen Funeral Home have signed on as Proud Patrons.
Joining Blackwell, Fowler, Welch, and Yates as sponsors are Council members Marianne Butler (D-15), Madonna Flood (D-24), Mary C. Woolridge (D-3), Dan Johnson (D-21), Jessica Green (D-1), David James (D-6), Angela Leet (R-7), and Barbara Sexton Smith (D-4).
Chairs, blankets, and coolers are allowed. No pets, outside alcohol, tents in the event area, drones or flying objects or glass containers are permitted.
To see a listing of all the activities at the 6th Annual Riverview Independence Festival presented by Brown-Forman and Kosair Charities, and Metro PCS go to: www.RiverviewFestival.com/ or Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/riverviewfest/
Louisville Dispatch wishes you a safe and happy Independence Day!
If we missed any area celebrations or festivities, be sure to let us know in the comments section below or on our Facebook page.
July 3
Springfield’s Independence Day Celebration
6 p.m.
Behind the Judicial Center. Features live music, car show, food and fireworks at dark.
Louisville Bats Baseball Fireworks Show
Bats vs. Columbus at 6:45 pm at Slugger Field, fireworks extravaganza following the game
Harrison County (Indiana) Kiwanis Annual Fireworks Display
Old Capital Golf Club – Fireworks at dark.
July 4
Louisville Orchestra Waterfront 4th
July 4 – 5 pm to 10:15 pm. Featuring live music, beer garden, activities, and Fireworks on the Great Lawn
Bullitt Blast and Shepherdsville City Fair
All day events at Shepherdsville City Park include 5k run, beauty pageant, car show, live music, WWII reenactments, watermelon eating contest, and fireworks at approximately 9:30 pm.
Carrollton’s Annual July Fourth Family Celebration
Point Park where the Kentucky and Ohio Rivers meet. Fireworks begin at dusk. FREE music and fun for the entire family.
Elizabethtown Founders’ Day
5 pm until dark at Freeman Lake Park. Air shows, skydiving demonstration, pie eating contest and fireworks at dark.
Shelby County Shake the Lake
Clear Creek Park Amphitheater, 5:30-10 pm. $3 per person.
Simpsonville’s Red, White and Boom
Noon – 10 pm at Simpsonville Park. Live music, food, DJ, vendor booths, bouncies & fireworks.
Crescent Hill Old Fashioned Fourth of July Art and Music Festival
10 am – 10 pm, Peterson Dumesnil House. Music, food, activities.
Fort Knox Celebrates Freedom
5 – 10:30 pm at Brooks Field on Fort Knox. Food, music, fun. Fireworks at 10:15 pm.
Madison Regatta
Fireworks Spectacular, Co-Sponsored by American Legion Post No. 9, The City of Madison Indiana, &
Jefferson County Board of Tourism. approx. 10pm / Riverfront
