Fireworks will begin at 9:15 with a display created by Arthur Rozzi Pyrotechnics. Rozzi has an impressive resume including the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular and 31 years of producing Cincinnati’s Riverfest show.
Another new element is that the fireworks will be choreographed to music. The music will be an interesting mix of patriotic, classical, and modern pieces. Speakers will be along the riverfront near Wilson Stage for the 18 to 20-minute fireworks show with a finale.
If a thunderstorm is in the area at the scheduled time for the fireworks, the fireworks show will be delayed until the weather clears.
New at this year's downtown festivities will be a community art project, organized by Better than Ever and the Paducah Parks and Police Departments. The project, United We HAND, United We Stand, will be on Broadway between 2nd Street and Water Street. From 5 until 8 pm, stop by one of the eight stations to help create the art and provide your personal touch. Then, the art project will be assembled at 8:00 pm and displayed.
Also on Broadway, enjoy the Paducah Jazz Band from 5 until 6 pm at the gazebo located at the corner of 2nd and Broadway, and then from 6 until 9 pm. the Jamaica Me Happy Steel Drums Band will perform in front of Hooper’s Outdoor Center at 219 Broadway.
Doe’s Eat Place will be grilling outdoors from 6:00 until 9:00 pm.
From 4:00 until 8:00 pm, there will be a Kidz Zone on Water Street between Jefferson and Broadway. Kids can enjoy laser tag, face painting, and balloons.
Entertainment on Wilson Stage is as follows: ·
Paducah Tilghman Improv 4-4:30 pm
Rhythm Factory Dance Performance 4:30-5 pm
Posting of the Colors Ceremony 5:15-5:45 pm
Country music artist Tyler Barham 6-7:30 pm
Steve Schaffner’s Trio Girardeaux (classical) 7:45-8:30 pm
Paducah Community Band: Concert Band 8:30-9:10 pm
National Anthem by City Commissioner Richard Abraham 9:10 pm
Fireworks by Arthur Rozzi Pyrotechnics 9:15 pm
Due to events starting earlier this year, boaters will need to use the Ohio River Boat Launch at 6th and Burnett Streets.
At 2:00 pm. on July 4, the floodwall openings at Kentucky, Jefferson, Schultz Park, the Farmers’ Market, and the former Executive Inn site will be limited to pedestrian traffic only. Kentucky Avenue and Broadway at 3rd Street in addition to Water Street behind the Carson Center will close to vehicular traffic at 2:00 pm.
Pets are allowed at the Independence Day Celebration, but the City of Paducah’s dog ordinance mandates three requirements. The dog must be licensed by McCracken County Animal Control or by any other state or county; restrained by a leash or other lead that is no longer than three feet; and restrained by a muzzle.
For more information about Parks Services programs, classes, and special events, call 270-444-8508 or visit www.paducahky.gov.
