Independence Day Celebration

The Tom Sawyer State Park Foundation's signature event is its Independence Day Celebration, which is held each year on the Saturday before the Fourth of July from 4:00 to 10:30 p.m.  This family-friendly, patriotic celebration provides hours of entertainment to an estimated 20,000 attendees.  The Independence Day Celebration began in 1993 as a Third of July celebration. The event's purpose is to showcase and raise awareness of E. P. "Tom" Sawyer State Park, which is Louisville's member of the Kentucky State Parks system. The event has been held annually except for 2002.  Funds raised from the event go to the nonprofit Tom Sawyer State Park Foundation, which helps fund purchases and improvements at the park.

Entertainment includes live performances by bands playing rock 'n' roll, inspirational and patriotic music, a children's playland with inflatables, face-painting and other activities, military vehicle displays, a Civil War encampment, costumed characters, and demonstrations by park user groups, including BMX riders, astronomical society members with telescopes and radio-controlled aircraft flyers.  Food vendors sell typical summer fare from hamburgers to barbecue to ice cream.

A patriotic presentation at the main stage begins with a Sons of the American Revolution color guard parade and includes recognition of a selected group of American military veterans. All members of the armed forces are acknowledged with a musical patriotic salute. The event culminates with a spectacular fireworks display.

Event funders in 2008 were: Northeast Christian Church, presenting sponsor; Norton Healthcare; Kentucky State Parks; Kroger; Citizens Union Bank; Papa John's International; Metro Councilman Glen Stuckel; Heather's Veterans.

Next Independence Day Celebration: Saturday, June 27, 2009
For more information contact: Earlene Bisig Zimlich at ebz29@aol.com or Carol Timmons at ctimmons@bizjournals.com