Paducah’s Independence Day Celebration, sponsored by Independence Bank and Global Laser Enrichment, will be Saturday, July 4 in historic downtown Paducah. Enjoy live music, food trucks, free Ferris wheel rides, and a fireworks show. An estimated 10,000 people come each year to the riverfront to enjoy Paducah’s celebration.
"This Independence Day, I invite everyone to come to downtown Paducah and be part of a truly historic celebration,” said Mayor George Bray. “As our nation marks its 250th anniversary, we're proud to bring our community together to honor America's past while creating new memories with family and friends. This year, we've expanded entertainment hours and extended food vendor operations so visitors can enjoy even more of the festivities throughout the day and evening. We're also excited to introduce Ferris wheel rides for the first time, adding a fun new attraction for all ages. Join us downtown as we celebrate 250 years of American independence with great food, live entertainment, family activities, and a community spirit that reflects the very best of our nation."
To celebrate 250 years, this year’s event features expanded hours for food vendors, live music, and activities, along with free Ferris wheel rides. The Ferris wheel will be available from 1 to 9 p.m. in the parking lot in the 100 block of Jefferson Street.
Mobile food vendors will be serving from noon until 9 p.m. They will be along Jefferson Street between Water Street and 2nd Street.
Live entertainment begins at 1 p.m. featuring two stages: Wilson Stage on the riverfront and the Riverfront Plaza Stage, provided by McCracken County, which will be in the parking lot at the corner of Broadway and Water Street. The entertainment lineup is as follows:
- 1:00 p.m. – Jack Martin & Co. (Wilson Stage)
- 2:00 p.m. – The BLOOM Initiative (Wilson Stage)
- 3:00 p.m. – Sam Lynn (Wilson Stage)
- 4:00 p.m. – Lew Jetton (Wilson Stage)
- 5:00 p.m. – Lost Stars (Riverfront Plaza Stage)
- 6:30 p.m. – Cody Bradley (Riverfront Plaza Stage)
- 8:30 p.m. – Paducah Community Band (Wilson Stage)
- 9:15 p.m. – Fireworks Show
The City has contracted with Pyro Shows for a 20-minute display with the fireworks discharged from a barge provided by Pine Bluff Materials. The tug is provided by Ingram Barge Company. The creative show is choreographed to music with speakers placed along the riverfront near Wilson Stage. Viewing is available along the riverfront near Wilson Stage, Schultz Park, and the Transient Boat Dock.
"Our Independence Day celebration would not be possible without the incredible support of our sponsors, community partners, volunteers, public safety agencies, and local businesses,” said Director of Parks and Recreation Amie Clark. “As we commemorate our nation's 250th anniversary, we're especially grateful for the organizations and individuals who have invested their time, resources, and energy to create a memorable experience for our residents and visitors. Thanks to their generosity and collaboration, we're able to offer expanded entertainment hours, a larger selection of food vendors, and exciting new attractions like Ferris wheel rides. This event is a true community effort, and we thank everyone who has helped bring this special celebration to life.”
If a thunderstorm is in the area at the scheduled time for the fireworks, the fireworks show will be delayed until the weather clears or rescheduled for Sunday, July 5. The Paducah Fire and Police Departments, McCracken County Sheriff’s Department, and McCracken County Department of Emergency Management will be at the event for additional safety.
Boaters should use the Ohio River Boat Launch at 6th and Burnett Streets since the floodwall openings at Broadway and Kentucky will close at 9 p.m. on July 3.
On July 4 at 10 a.m., Broadway and Jefferson will close to vehicular traffic from 2nd Street to the floodwall. Water Street from Kentucky to Jefferson also will close at that time. The downtown parking lot at 2nd and Broadway will be closed to vehicles due to the space needed for the Ferris wheel and stage.
Parking will be available in several locations including downtown on-street street parking, the Farmers’ Market parking lot, Convention Center lots, and the parking lot at 3rd and Kentucky.
While pets are allowed at the Celebration, the City of Paducah’s dog ordinance mandates that the dog must be restrained by a leash or other lead that is no longer than three feet.
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