Independence Day, the most American of holidays, will be marked by parades, fireworks and backyard barbecues across the country. This is typically no different for Owensboro, but this year we will have an even more special Fourth of July.
The City of Owensboro has collaborated with other organizations, including Friday After 5 and the Owensboro Convention Center, to offer families a truly spectacular evening of events.
“We want Owensboro to be known as an All-American City… small town USA,” said Tim Ross, Director of Public Events. “We want to embrace the military and our armed services. We want to be a red, white and blue community.”
Dean Dennis, General Manager of the Owensboro Convention Center, says the location of the new facility makes them the perfect partner to offer family fun on July 4.
“I think it’s important because of our location right on the river with the fireworks happening literally right in front of the City’s new venue,” Dennis said. “With all the things the City has planned already, we are in the perfect spot to program some additional fun family things on that day. Venues like this provide a perfect opportunity to support these types of local events. We are excited to be producing this event in conjunction with the City.”
The events that the City has planned will be sure to offer families across the community a fun, safe celebration of our nation’s birthday.
Owensboro Fourth of July celebration:
4:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Live music in McConnell Plaza
5:00 P.M.
Friday After 5
Independence Day only falls on Friday every seven years, and Friday After 5 is sure to contribute to the Downtown celebration. Bands will play at the RiverPark Center outdoor plaza and courtyard and Kroger will sponsor a water balloon toss and hula hoop contest.
5:30 P.M.
Kids Bike Parade
The City will host a bike parade for children aged 12 and younger. The parade will begin at 2nd Street and Locust Street in Downtown Owensboro. Any non-motorized modes of transportation, like bikes, scooters, strollers and wagons are welcome to participate. Children are encouraged to dress up and decorate their bikes in everything red, white and blue. (Owensboro Living has provided some tips for bike decorating below.) Secret judges will be looking at all of the decorated bikes, wagons, etc. to select one girl and one boy with the best decorations for a special prize. It is the hope of the City that this event will tie kids to the patriotic spirit of Independence Day.
Parents need to check-in for the parade at the tent by the video marquee at 2nd and Locust Streets to register their kids for the parade. Goodies will be handed out to parade participants (12 yrs. and younger) at the conclusion of the parade.
6:00 – 6:15 P.M. (AFTER the Kids Bike Parade)
The Owensboro Convention Center 4th Fest
At the end of the parade, families will be able to enjoy 4thFest, hosted by the Owensboro Convention Center, which will last until the fireworks begin. Participants will get a free drink and hot dog and then come inside and enjoy a wide variety of fun activities in the exhibit hall. There will be a lot of fun things for kids in a safe, air-conditioned environment.
On the lower terrace, outside of the exhibit hall and facing the river, there will be a food and beverage area set up with seating for the general public. A full service bar and food stands will be available. The Convention Center will also have some great All-American 4th of July treats, like fried chicken, mac and cheese, apple pie and much, much more. You can reserve an eight-person table inside the air conditioning and then walk out to watch the fireworks, or rent your table outside on the terrace. Inside or outside tables are $40 (or $5 per chair). There will also be an alcohol-free family section available for renting a table.
Upstairs, the Convention Center will host a wonderful VIP viewing area that will offer valet parking, buffet dinner, great views of the fireworks, restrooms, air conditioning and a full cash bar for only $30 per person, tax included. Also, there will be a limited supply of corporate hospitality tables available. It will be the premier viewing location for the fireworks!
9:15 P.M.
Fireworks Over the River
Enjoy a spectacular firework display over the Ohio River!
Ride in Style: Tips for Decorating your Bike
Streamers are the most obvious way to decorate a bike. You could buy streamers in the bike accessory aisle at any big box store, but what’s the fun in that?! Make your own! You could use ribbon, strips of old fabric, party streamers, garland or small American flags.
Something you might not think to decorate are the spokes of your bike. One idea is to cover each spoke with a drinking straw. Simply slit the entire length of the straw so you can cover each spoke. Sparkly pipe cleaners could also work. Or, playing cards are a great option if you are looking for something that will make noise – and most cards will be in patriotic colors.
Don’t forget, safety first! Please wear helmets every time you ride your bike. These can be decorated too for more Fourth of July flair. Pipe cleaners can be used to make the helmet look like crazy hair or you could add flags and cut-out stars.
Be creative! Think about using balloons or battery-operated lights. Be sure to dress in red, white and blue for an even greater effect! And just because you are not riding a bike in the parade doesn’t mean you can’t participate. Decorate your wagon, scooter or stroller too!
