Beech Tree News Network

Those looking to make the most of their Independence Day celebrations will have a full day of options this year.  Neighboring Warren County is offering a morning and early afternoon filled with family-friendly activities before Butler County takes over with an evening celebration, giving area residents the opportunity to enjoy a full day of patriotic festivities close to home.

Families can begin the day at Bowling Green's Circus Square Park, where the free USA 250 Family Fun Day will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event celebrates America's 250th anniversary with an old-fashioned community gathering featuring carnival games, patriotic trivia, lawn games, food trucks, and more.

Children can participate in an 11 a.m. sidewalk parade with bicycles, wagons, strollers, and even family pets decked out in patriotic attire for a chance to win prizes for most patriotic. 

At noon, local officials will take on the roles of historical figures, delivering speeches in character. Senator Rand Paul will be on hand to share remarks and there will be music throughout the afternoon provided by the Caveman Chorus barbershop quartet.

Following the program, attendees can take part in a brief swing dancing lesson before taking part in a community swing dance on the sidewalk.

Event coordinator Ellen Eldridge said the celebration was created to bring families together in a way that reflects both the country's history and its future.

"We wanted to create an old-fashioned family fun day in the park that celebrates where we've been, where we are today, and what is still to come," Eldridge said.

Once the festivities wrap up in Warren County, Butler County residents can head home for an evening celebration during the Green River Catfish Festival.

The City of Morgantown, in partnership with the Morgantown–Butler County Chamber of Commerce, will kick off its Independence Day celebration at 5 p.m. on the Main Stage at the Green River Fairgrounds. While city officials are remaining tight-lipped about several aspects of the program, they have hinted that attendees can expect a few surprises in addition to the traditional patriotic observance.

The celebration will feature appearances by the mayor and members of the City Council, patriotic T-shirts and cookies while supplies last, and will conclude with the largest fireworks display in South Central Kentucky at dusk.