An estimated 10,000 to 15,000 people come each year to the riverfront to enjoy Paducah’s celebration. Food vendors begin serving by 1p.m. on Water Street between Kentucky and Broadway with live music and entertainment beginning at 4 pm on Wilson Stage and on Broadway inside of 3rd Street.
For the fourth year in a row, the Light Up the Night community art project will be on display on Broadway between 2nd Street and Water Street. Between 5 and 8 pm, you can stop by to contribute to the project.
Fireworks will begin at 9:15 presented again by Arthur Rozzi Pyrotechnics.
Several streets will be affected by preparation for the event. On July 4 at 11 am, Kentucky Avenue will be closed from the riverfront to Market House Square. Second Street at Market House Square also closes at that time. At 2 pm on July 4, Broadway will be closed inside of 3rd Street to the riverfront with entertainment on Broadway starting at 4 pm. Also at 2 pm, the Second Street closure will be extended toward Jefferson Street.
Boaters will need to use the Ohio River Boat Launch at 6th and Burnett Streets since the floodwall openings at Broadway and Kentucky will close to traffic early in the evening on July 3. Water Street between Broadway and Kentucky also will close to traffic at 6 pm on July 3 to allow vendors to start setting up.
Paducah's Independence Day festivities are sponsored in part this year by Independence Bank.
Fireworks: The City has contracted again with Arthur Rozzi Pyrotechnics for the fireworks show with a finale. Fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m. with the fireworks discharged from a barge provided by Pine Bluff Materials. The tug is provided by Ingram Barge Company. The City of Paducah appreciates the support of the tug and barge companies in making this event such a success. The creative show is choreographed to music with speakers placed along the riverfront near Wilson Stage. If a thunderstorm is in the area at the scheduled time for the fireworks, the fireworks show will be delayed until the weather clears. The Paducah Fire and Police Departments and the U.S. Coast Guard will be at the event for additional safety.
Community Art Project: For the fourth year in a row, Better than Ever and the Paducah Parks and Police Departments have organized a large-scale community art project. Light Up the Night will be on display on Broadway between 2nd Street and Water Street. Between 5 and 8 p.m., stop by to contribute to this community art project.
Entertainment on Wilson Stage:
Sound checks for musical entertainers, 1:00 until 3:30 pm
Comments from community leaders (Mayor Pro Tem Sandra Wilson and McCracken County Independence Bank President Danny Evitts), 4:00-4:15 pm
Posting of the Colors Ceremony, 4:15 pm
Parker Redmond and Justen Harden, 4:30-6:00 pm
The Brevet, 6:30-8:00 pm
Paducah Concert Band with Doug Van Fleet, 8:15-9:05 pm
National Anthem by Commissioner Richard Abraham, 9:05 pm
Fireworks (choreographed to music), 9:15 p.m. (until approximately 10 p.m.)
Streetside Music and Entertainment on Broadway and Jefferson inside of 3rd Street:
Paducah Jazz Band (at Gazebo), 4:00-6:00 pm
Arista Manning, 6:00-7:00 pm
Adam Horbivitz, 7:00-8:00 pm
Independence Bank Atomic Bombshells, 8:00-9:00 pm
Paducah Quick-Step Cloggers (on Jefferson Street), 8:00-9:00 pm
The Kidz Zone on Water Street between Jefferson and Broadway has activities from 5 until 8 pm. The Independence Bank Train will be there to give rides to the youngsters. Kids also can enjoy Adrenaline Mobile Laser Tag, Animal Tales, corn hole, the McCracken County Library Book Bike, Unplugged Putt Putt, Mission Balloons, William Carter Photo Style Pictures, and Bax Illustration Caricaturist. There will be photo opportunities including the backdrop of a patriotically-painted tractor.
Pets: While pets are allowed at the Independence Day Celebration, the City of Paducah’s dog ordinance mandates two requirements: the dog must be licensed by McCracken County Animal Control or by any other state or county and restrained by a leash or other lead that is no longer than three feet. These limitations are not meant to be a hindrance to pet owners but are intended to ensure the public’s safety.
For more information about the Independence Day schedule of events, call 270-444-8508 or visit www.paducahky.gov.
On the Net:
City of Paducah Website
