Paducah’s July 4th Celebration, sponsored by Ingram Barge Company and Pine Bluff Materials, will be Thursday, July 4 on the riverfront in historic downtown Paducah.
Mayor George Bray said, “Independence Day is the day we celebrate our freedom and liberties. I’m proud that Paducah is able to host one of the largest celebrations in the region with incredible food, music, and a memorable fireworks display. This is a tradition in downtown Paducah, and I invite everyone to join us and enjoy the festivities. I want to thank Ingram Barge and Pine Bluff Materials for their support in this event as well as the hard-working staff in Paducah’s Parks & Recreation Department for organizing a fun evening as we gather to honor America.”
Food vendors will start serving by 5:30 p.m. They will be along the riverfront downstream of Wilson Stage in Schultz Park. Musical entertainment also starts at that time on Wilson Stage at the foot of Broadway. The entertainment lineup is as follows:
- 5:30 p.m. – Paducah Jazz Patrol
- 7:00 p.m. – Kentucky Just Us
- 8:30 p.m. – Paducah Community Band
- 9:10 p.m. – National Anthem performed by Paducah Community Band
- 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 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.
Director of Parks and Recreation Amie Clark said, “Join us in downtown Paducah for the City’s annual July 4th Celebration. From the foot of Broadway to the Convention Center, the riverfront is the perfect place to see the fireworks launched from a barge in the Ohio River. The celebration will be a great family experience with music on Wilson Stage and food vendors in Schultz Park. We would like to thank all of our partners who help make this event possible.”
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 July 5th. The Paducah Fire and Police Departments, McCracken County Sheriff’s Department, DES, and the U.S. Coast Guard 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. Schultz Park and the small parking area near the transient boat dock also will close to vehicular traffic at 9 p.m. on July 3.
On July 4 at 4 p.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.
Parking will be available in several locations including the Farmers’ Market parking lot, Convention Center lots, City’s parking lot at 3rd and Kentucky, and the City Block lot (access from 2nd Street only).
The rain date for the celebration, if needed, is Friday, July 5.
Dog Ordinance: While pets are allowed at the July 4th 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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