Fireworks with the works: Week ahead full of planned July 4 activities
Jul. 1—Ready to light up the July night sky?
July 4 is almost here — which in Pulaski County, as with most of America, means fireworks aplenty. And while some choose to go and buy their own to set off in the back yard, there's a virtual boom of organized fireworks shows and displays to see in the coming days around the area.
Perhaps nobody does the patriotic holiday bigger and better than Eubank, which traditionally celebrates with a parade, pageant, and a full day of activities. This year, noted Eubank Fire Chief Norman Rutheford, it's actually going to be a three-day event, starting on Friday, July 5 with the pageants and ending with gospel singing on Sunday, July 7.
"It seems like it gets bigger and bigger and bigger every year," said Rutheford. "We're experimenting with a three-day event this year. ... We take a lot of pride in (the parade and festivities). It's a big thing for us.
"We hope everybody enjoys it," he added. "We have a lot of rave reviews about our fireworks. ... It's just something to give back to the community."
Friday's pageants begin at 6 p.m. with registration at 5 p.m., and a cost of $35 per participants. There are 11 age groups for children and young people — ranging from 0-6 months up to the 16-21-year-old Miss Eubank Independence Day and 13-15 Miss Teen Eubank Independence Day, and even the Miss Independence Day Woman for ladies age 40 and up. All divisions compete in red, white and blue casual wear or Sunday best (no formal wear) and teens and up can compete in their choice of cocktail or Sunday best. Winners receive a crown, sash, and trophy, which runners-up receive a trophy. For more info, contact Laura Carrigan on Facebook.
Line-up for the parade on Saturday, July 6 begins at 10 a.m. at the Old Stave Mill at the north end of town, and the parade begins at 11 a.m. It will go through town, turn left onto Ky. 70 and end at Eubank City Park. Following that are activities including food trucks, vendors, games, inflatables, a greased pig contest, cow patty bingo, a "pants on a chicken" contest, magic, live bands, and more. Fireworks will begin as it gets dark, around 9:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Sunday's gospel singing begins at 1 p.m. All activities are at Eubank City Park and are free to enter. For more info, message the Eubank Fire Department or Eubank Ruritan Club on Facebook.
In the heart of Somerset, Chris George and ABA (Applied Behavioral Advancements) is planning on once again holding a fireworks show right on College Street on Thursday, July 4.
Last year's packed people into the downtown area around the Somerset Energy Center to see the pyrotechnics, and if weather allows, George said they'll do another 20-minute event this year, as "everyone loved it" in 2023.
The Somerset-Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce rounded up a list of additional fireworks-viewing opportunities around the county this week (view the list by going to the Chamber's Facebook page or at www.somersetpulaskichamber.com, under the "2024 Community Calendar"). They include:
Wednesday, July 3 — The Family Freedom Celebration at Victory Christian Fellowship, 1156 Oak Hill Road begins at 7 p.m. and includes face painting, food trucks and more. Fireworks begin at 10 p.m.
Thursday, July 4 — King of Kings Radio is holding a July 4 Fest at 1657 Ky. 39. The free concert and fireworks show starts at 6 p.m.
Friday, July 5 — The Fire on the Mountain Fireworks Celebrate will take place at Potters Place Church, 5370 Ky. 914. Food, games and access to inflatables will begin at 6 p.m., with fireworks starting at dusk.
Friday, July 5 — The Pulaski County Little League Field at 307 West Ky. 635 will see fireworks begin at 10 p.m.
Friday, July 5 — The Nancy Volunteer Fire Department, located at 9288 Ky. 80, will hold an Independence Day Celebration from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., and fireworks starting at dark.
Saturday, July 6 — Independence Day at Pulaski County Park, K1200 Ky. 3189 off of West Ky. 80, will feature food trucks starting at 11 a.m. and live music at 6 p.m, with fireworks beginning at dark.
Saturday, July 6 — the VFW Post 269 fireworks display is open to the public. Located at 160 VFW Drive, activities begin at 6 p.m., with fireworks at dark.
Saturday — July 6 — the Dixie Bend Hillbilly Boom Fest by the Dixie Bend Homeowners Association at 3449 Dixie Bend Road in Burnside, will have activities starting at 9 p.m. and fireworks starting at dusk.
Saturday, July 6 — Lee's Ford Marina, 451 Ky. 1001, will feature their Fireworks Over Lake Cumberland event, from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. Fireworks begin at dark.