FRANKFORT – Kentucky State Parks are putting the finishing touches on their July 4th festivities. There will be plenty of firework displays, cookouts, entertainment and more. Some parks are having weekend events, while others are hosting events on Wednesday, July 4. See the list below for event dates and descriptions. To make lodging or camping reservations or to learn more about Kentucky State Parks, visit www.parks.ky.gov, according to a state parks news release.Barren River Lake State Resort Park, Lucas
It’s a blast at Barren River Lake State Resort Park’s annual Fireworks Celebration on July 4, sponsored by The Friends of Barren River Lake and Park. The park will have plenty of patriotic fun crafts and games starting at 10 a.m., including the annual Float Your Boat contest at 7 p.m. The band Steel Country will perform at 5 p.m., followed by the fireworks display at dark. Call 1-800-325-0057.
Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park, Buckhorn
The park will set up a tent and sell hamburgers, hot dogs, drinks and other items from 3-9:30 p.m. near the beach. Games will be available from 2-8:30 p.m. and Michael Dwayne will play music for the audience from 6-10 p.m. near the beach house. A spectacular show of fireworks will take place over the lake at dark. The park will also offer a special buffet July 4, from 5-9 p.m. Entrees will include barbecued ribs, fried chicken, fried catfish and pot roast. There will be a variety of vegetables, a salad bar and a dessert bar. Adults may eat for $12.99 (plus beverage, tax and gratuity). Children 5 and under eat free. Fireworks are sponsored by Hazard/Perry County Tourism and the city of Buckhorn. Call 1-800-325-0058.
Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, Corbin
Cumberland Falls State Resort Park will host a hike on July 7 on the Bark Camp Creek Trail. Meet at the lodge at 10 a.m. After a drive to Bark Camp Creek, the walk will be about 4 miles. Bring camera, water, something to wade in the water in and lunch plus snack. The water is beautiful, the trail is easy and the hike will be in the shade. There will also be a July 3 sunset hike to the fire tower to watch the firework show in Corbin. Meet at the lodge at 8:30 p.m. Call 1-800-325-0063.
Greenbo Lake State Resort Park, Greenup
Fourth of July activities will start Sunday, July 1, with Mr. B’s Magic Show at 7 p.m. in the campground shelter. On Wednesday, July 4, celebrate Independence Day with your family at Greenbo Lake with boating, hiking, mountain bike and horse trails, fishing, picnicking, and swimming. Participate in crafts at the campground at 10 a.m.; watermelon seed spitting contest at 1:30 p.m.; and a camper’s talent show at 7 p.m. Activities continue all week long and include hikes, crafts, and hayrides. Call 1-800-325-0083.
Jenny Wiley State Resort Park, Prestonsburg
Join the park on Friday, July 6, for a picnic on the patio, 6-10 p.m. The menu includes pork, hamburger or two hot dogs, plus baked beans and coleslaw for $7 a person (does not include drink). Cash bar available. Music from Tim Michaels starts at 7 p.m. The dinner buffet in the dining room will also be served 5-9 p.m. Call 1-800-325-0142.
John James Audubon State Park, Henderson
The park will host a campground parade at 3 p.m. Sunday, July 1. Bring your bicycles, tricycles, scooters, motorcycles, wagons and baby strollers for a red–white-and-blue celebration! Meet at the campground shelter. Open to all ages. A fireworks show is scheduled for Wednesday, July 4, on the Henderson Riverfront. Call 270-826-2247.
Kenlake State Resort Park, Aurora
Join your friends at the old beach area at Kenlake beginning at 5 p.m. for an evening of Independence Day festivities. Bring a picnic for the family or munch on hot dogs and bratwurst while relaxing and dancing to the music of the Tony Logue Band. Then, kick back and enjoy the best fireworks show on the lakes at 9 p.m., sponsored by Kenlake Marina and Aurora Merchants. Call 1-800-325-0143.
Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park, Gilbertsville
Join Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park on Independence Day for the All-American Family Buffet in Harbor Lights Restaurant from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. The blues-rock band Cantageus will perform at the Old Beach Stage starting at 7 p.m. A variety of old-fashioned Independence Day family games are scheduled throughout the day. The day will end with the Independence Day Fireworks Display sponsored by the Kentucky Dam Marina. Call 1-800-325-0146.
Lake Barkley State Resort Park, Cadiz
Lake Barkley State Resort Park will again host Fireworks at the Beach in celebration of Independence Day. The fireworks will begin at dusk on Tuesday, July 3, at Lake Barkley State Resort Park’s public swimming beach. The fireworks are sponsored by the Friends of Lake Barkley SRP with generous support from the community. There will also be volleyball and outdoor games available throughout the day at the beach. Everyone is welcome, but please don’t bring glass, alcohol or personal fireworks. Call 1-800-325-1708.
Lake Cumberland State Resort Park, Jamestown
On Saturday, July 7, a fireworks show will be presented by State Dock and Jamestown Marina. To view the fireworks, go to the overlook behind the tennis courts near Lure lodge. On Sunday, July 8, at 6 p.m., the park will host a Fourth of July parade – bring your bicycle, tricycle, moped, golf cart, motorcycle or baby stroller to the campground entrance booth with decorations. A kids’ talent contest for ages 12 and under will be at 7:30 p.m. Sunday at the campground amphitheater. Call 1-800-325-1709.
Levi Jackson State Park, London
Guests are invited to take part July 7 in a charitable event co-sponsored by the park and C.A.R.S. (Children Are Really Special). The Drive & Dive In Cruise will be 5-10 p.m. The park invites all classics – street rods, pro street, muscle cars, late model Camaros, Challengers, Corvettes, classic trucks, rat rods, modified and import vehicles! Bikes are also welcome! Come and enjoy this free event! Returning for the annual Drive & Dive In Cruise will be the Medley Boys. Enjoy the evening with live music, food, inflatable bounces for the kids, Levi Jackson pool will be open free to the C.A.R.S. spectators. Call 606-330-2130.
My Old Kentucky Home State Park, Bardstown
Join the park and watch the “Stephen Foster Story” on the Fourth of July, celebrating Stephen Foster's 186th birthday! Old fashioned games on the lawn begin at 7 p.m. The “Stephen Foster Story” starts at 8:30 p.m., with birthday cupcakes offered at intermission. Spectacular fireworks display sponsored by Newcomb Oil immediately follows the show. Call 502-348-3502.
Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park, Dawson Springs
Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park will begin its Independence Day programming on Friday, June 29, with a variety of events. On Saturday, June 30, the recreation staff will judge the Independence Day campsite decorating contest at 5 p.m. Winning sites will get a Pennyrile Prize pack. Holiday programming will culminate July 4 with a walking, wagon, bike and golf cart parade through the campground at 7 p.m. For a full list of programs, check out the following website: http://www.kspappdev.com/blogs/pennyrile-forest/ Call 1-800-325-1711.
Rough River Dam State Resort Park, Falls of Rough
Rough River will celebrate the Independence Day holiday on Saturday, July 7. Activities will be offered throughout the day, and a fireworks show sponsored by Rough River Business & Tourism at dusk. Call 1-800-325-1713.
Taylorsville Lake State Park, Taylorsville
There will be a fireworks display June 30 at 9 p.m., at the Taylorsville Lake Marina. Guests can view the display at the Taylorsville Lake Marina, Taylorsville Lake State Park Possum Ridge boat ramp, or from your boat in the water. Call 502-477-8713.
