This Saturday, July 4, will be the return of the Independence Day celebration on the Great Lawn at the Waterfront from 5 p.m. to just past 10 p.m. If you remember, Louisville wasn’t able to hold this event last year due to budget problems. However, this year, with extensive support from the Louisville Orchestra, Thorntons, Louisville City FC and many other businesses working with the Board of the Waterfront Development Corporation, the city is able to celebrate this day once again.
Rob Koller, Director of Local Marketing of Thorntons, said Thorntons has become a major sponsor for the festival in cooperation with the Louisville Orchestra and the Board of the Waterfront Development Corporation. Thorntons is a Louisville-based company, Koller said, and they want to get more involved in the happenings of Louisville. This July Fourth will be the first time they sponsor the event, and this is only one of many more Louisville activities in which they will take part.
Thorntons will have a booth at the event, as well as glowsticks, fans and Refreshing Rewards loyalty cards available.
The Louisville Orchestra will be holding a free concert from 8:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., led by Conductor Teddy Abrams. There will also be special guest appearances by Ben Sollee and Jecorey "1200" Arthur. The show will take place on the Great Lawn at the main stage by the river side.
At 10 p.m. there will be a 15 minute fireworks show over the Waterfront. These fireworks are being sponsored for the first time by Louisville City FC, an American professional soccer club that plays in the United Soccer League (USL) and is currently ranked fourth in the Eastern Conference.
Amanda Duffy, General Manager of Louisville City FC, said the club is grateful to be able to help in a much bigger way than they had anticipated. Louisville City FC is interested in sponsoring and supporting similar Louisville events in the upcoming years.
Also on the Fourth, at 7:30 p.m., Louisville City FC will have their home game against the Richmond Kickers (third in the Eastern Conference) at Slugger Field (401 E. Main St.), diagonal from the Waterfront. Tickets may be bought online or by calling 502-384-8799. Ticket booths will be open before the game for purchase, and several Louisville City FC booths will be set up in front of the stadium. The game is expected to run till 9:30 p.m., and spectators may remain in the stadium to watch the fireworks.
There will be concession stands for food and drinks starting at 5 p.m with live music featuring Jacob Duncan Trio, Niles Foley and Lazy Sunday. The Kentucky Science, Kentucky Museum of Art & Craft, Louisville Public Media, Steam Exchange, Friends of the Waterfront and Jug Band Jubilee will also be providing tons of fun activities for the kids.
There’ll be something for everyone in the family to enjoy, whether it’s the music, soccer, food or fireworks. Come out and take part in the return of Louisville’s July Fourth celebration!
Photo Courtesy of the Louisville Orchestra Correspondent, Louisville Orchestra's Facebook Page and Louisville City FC's Facebook Page
