Multiple events slated across region
Published 1:32 pm Wednesday, July 1, 2026
Fireworks explode over the crowds gathered at Ephram White Park for the Kiwanis Club of Bowling Green’s 54th annual Hayward Minton Thunderfest on Saturday, June 28, 2025.
GRACE MCDOWELL / BOWLING GREEN DAILY NEWS (Grace McDowell)
Carnival-style games and tributes to historical figures from American history will take center stage during the USA 250 event happening at at Circus Square Park this Saturday.
The event has been organized by Ellen Aldridge and is sponsored by Warren County government and the City of Bowling Green. Aldridge told the Daily News why she decided to organize the event.
“To celebrate 250 years, that’s a once in a lifetime kind of celebration,” Aldridge said. “I think it’s gonna be a fun thing, kind of celebrating the past and the present and what we’ve got to look forward to in the future as well.”
Two local officials will appear during the event dressed as historic figures. Warren County Judge-Executive Doug Gorman, dressed as President Abraham Lincoln, and Bowling Green Mayor Todd Alcott dressed as President George Washington, will deliver speeches at noon that day. U.S. Sen. Rand Paul will appear as himself.
Celebrations will kick off at 10 a.m. on Saturday, running through 2 p.m. Attendees will be treated to food options and games will be set up as well.
Aldridge said a barbershop-style quartet will perform during the event and swing dancing will be available for attendees as well.
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The games available will have an “old-fashioned” flavor, Aldridge said, and will include attractions like ring tosses, bean bag throwing and a game known as “fish bowl toss,” where attendees will toss balls into small fish bowls.
Other attractions include a walking parade for kids and a contest for those dressed the most patriotically. Aldridge said prizes will be given for contest winners, and a contest will be held for the best dressed dog as well.
A copy of the U.S. Constitution will be displayed as well, and children will be able to practice their “John Hancock” signature with fountain pens.
“We’re just hoping for people to come out and have a good time,” Aldridge said. I love the intergenerational mixture … you have older people that come and younger people and it’s for everybody in between.”
USA 250 is one of several events celebrating the 250th anniversary of American independence. Thunderfest is set to return on Friday at Ephram White Park.
Thunderfest is presented by the Kiwanis Club of Bowling Green and gates will open at 4 p.m. Admission is $25 per vehicle.
Attendees will be treated to food vendors including Chaney’s Dairy Barn, Hog Wild BBQ and Que Pasa, while other non-food vendors will be set up as well.
Live music will go on as well, with country singer and The Voice contestant Gracee Shriver headlining.
Other events are going on around the region as well.
Allen County
Allen County residents will have the chance to celebrate Independence Day with Fireworks In The Park happening Friday at Dugas Park. Gates will open at 7:30 with the firework show beginning after sunset. The event is sponsored by America 250 and Scottsville and Allen County governments.
Barren County
Fireworks Over Barren is set to return this year to Barren River Lake State Resort Park on Saturday, sponsored by Friends of Barren River Lake. Admission is free and fireworks will start at 9 p.m.
Butler County
Butler County’s July 4 celebration will be included with this year’s Green River Catfish Festival. The multi-day community event kicked off June 20, culminating with a carnival from July 2-4 and a fireworks show happening Saturday night.
Logan County
Adairville will celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with an event on Friday at Adairville Community Park. Music, food and fireworks will be available and the event is slated to start at 6 p.m. Admission is free.
On Saturday, Russellville will host the Bob and Joyce Guion 4th of July Kiddie Parade. Children participating are encouraged to decorate bikes and wagons, and setup for the parade will begin at 9:30 a.m. near the Struggles for Emancipation and Equality in Kentucky Museum on West 8th Street.
Simpson County
The Mint Gaming Hall will hold its firework show on Thursday, July 2. The free event will start at 6 p.m. and food trucks and live music will be available. Fireworks will begin 30 minutes after sunset.
The Rotary Club of Franklin’s Independence Day parade is slated for Saturday in Franklin, beginning at 10 a.m. The parade will track around the Simpson County Courthouse and registration is open for $20.
About Jack Dobbs
Jack covers city government for the Daily News. Originally from Simpson County, he attended Western Kentucky University and graduated in 2022 with a degree in journalism.
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