Are you tired of the same-ole backyard barbeque and looking for a great new way to spend the 4th of July holiday? Well, you’re in luck. Many Louisville communities and neighborhoods are holding different holiday celebrations this year and, lucky for you, we’re profiling some of them. Let’s make Independence Day 2012 one to remember!
BBC Freedom Hop
If you want to drag out your red, white and blue and wave your flag high, but are unable to celebrate on the actual 4th (which is a Wednesday this year), don’t worry; the celebratory festivities on Frankfort Avenue will actually be held on the Friday before the 4th, June 29th, from 6:00-10:00 pm this year. The Frankfort Avenue Trolley (also known as F.A.T.) will be hosting a special event on the 29th: the BBC Freedom Hop. During this event, visitors will travel to restaurants, stores and venues on Frankfort Avenue, where different beverages will be offered as well as, of course, interesting shopping. Some of the stops on this trolley hop include The Wine Rack, Eyedia, Third Lutheran Church, Homemade Ice Cream and Pie Kitchen and many more. For the trolley schedule, visit F.A.T.’s website here.
4th of July Celebration in Crescent Hill
The BBC Freedom Hop isn’t the only special 4th of July event taking place the weekend before the holiday. The 4th of July Celebration in Crescent Hill will be taking place on Saturday and Sunday, June 30th and July 1st. Crescent Hill prides itself on celebrating the holiday the old-fashioned way with more than 40 hours of live music, an art fair, children’s activities, a firework show and much, much more. You won’t want to miss this Independence Jubilee, which will take place at the grounds of the historic Peterson-Dumesnil House. Visit the Crescent Hill Community Council’s website here for more information and a full schedule of weekend events.
Riverview Independence Festival
The 1st annual Riverview Independence Festival at Riverview Park will take place on Saturday, June 30th. This festival originated because Metro Council members wanted to create a special holiday celebration for residents of southwest Louisville. The councilmen invite residents to come and celebrate the holiday on the Ohio while discovering why Riverview Park is such a jewel to Louisville. The festival will be from 3:00-10:00 pm and there will be live music from The Monarchs, 31W and Ode 2 the Gnu. There will also be food vendors, access to Riverview’s Splash Park and an outstanding fireworks show to wrap up the night. Visit the festival’s website here for more information.
Waterfront Independence Festival
The Waterfront Independence Festival will be taking place during the week, on Tuesday the 3rd and Wednesday the 4th, this year. The activities during this festival, which will be from 5:00-10:00 pm, include live music and activities for the kids. Thompson Square, The McClymonts, Ode 2 the Gnu, Jimmy Cliff, Midnight Star and Mojoflo will all be performing during the 2-day period. There will also be inflatables and an activity table for the kids, along with accessibility to the watermister for them to cool off after spending all day in the summer’s heat. Visit the festival’s website here for more information.
Fireworks Cruises
Why not change it up a little bit and celebrate Independence Day on the water this year? The Steamer Belle of Louisville and The Riverboat Spirit of Jefferson will be holding special cruises on the 3rd and the 4th. These cruises will consist of a special fireworks show in celebration of the holiday. The cruises will take place from 8:30-11:00 pm both nights and will be $22 per person. Reservations are required. Visit the Belle’s website here for information on how to make reservations.
4th of July Bullitt Blast
Like Crescent Hill, Bullitt County also wants to celebrate Independence Day the old-fashioned way. On the 4th, the 11th Annual 4th of July Bullitt Blast will take place at the Paroquet Springs Conference Centre. The celebration begins at 4:00 pm and ends with a fireworks show that begins at 9:45 pm. The Bullitt Blast will include many different exciting activities such as a canoe race, a car show, kids’ rides, putt-putt golf, a pie-eating contest, live music and, of course, the outstanding fireworks show. Don’t think it can get much better? It can; there is no admission fee for this festival. For more information call 502-543-1901.
There will also be many more festivities happening in, and near, your neighborhood this Independence Day. For example, Norton Commons will be putting on its own fireworks show on the 30th, open to the public. For information on more events happening around Louisville this holiday, visit our full calendar of events on the right sidebar of our website.
Have a safe and happy holiday.
Photo: courtesy of Fifth Third Bank Waterfront Independence Festival
