The sun is high in the sky and the chorus of Lee Greenwood’s, “God Bless the U.S.A.” plays over a speaker. The smells of the grill float through the air as kids sneak another glass of lemonade that is sure to spoil their appetites. A hot afternoon of food, family and friends turns into an evening of spectating. As the smell of barbecue and sunscreen turns into spent fireworks and citronella, people young and old turn their focus to the sky and take in the brightly colored show. 

While those celebrating the holiday from the NJSA National Junior Summer Spectacular (NJSS) may be too busy for a traditional barbecue, no Fourth of July festivity is complete without taking in a spectacular firework show. We know firsthand the difficult task of finding fireworks after a long show day in an unfamiliar city. We have compiled 5 local firework shows that are a short distance from the fairgrounds. 

KENTUCKY KINGDOM THEME AND WATER PARK’S RED, WHITE & BLUEGRASS BASH

• 5 minutes from the fairgrounds

• Fireworks, unique foods, live music

• Ticket required

https://www.kentuckykingdom.com/explore-the-park/festivals-events/kentucky-kingdoms-red-white-bluegrass-bash/

CRESCENT HILL 4TH OF JULY FESTIVAL

• 14 minutes from the fairgrounds

• Live music, contests, food, games

• Fireworks at 10 pm

https://crescenthill.us/4th-of-july-event/ 

WATERFRONT PARK FOURTH OF JULY

• 15 minutes from the fairgrounds

• Louisville Orchestra, fireworks and food vendors

• 5-10 pm

https://www.gotolouisville.com/events-calendar/waterfront-park-fourth-of-july/ https://ourwaterfront.org/annual-events/fourth-of-july-at-waterfront-park/ 

SELLERSBURG FOURTH OF JULY

• 17 minutes from the fairgrounds

• Music and food

• Fireworks at 9:45 pm

OLDHAM COUNTY JULY 4TH FREEDOM CELEBRATION

• 27 minutes from the fairgrounds

• Fireworks over the lake at 10 pm

https://touroldham.com/event/july-4th-freedom-celebration/

The announcer calls the final class of Yorkshire barrows as Toby Keith’s, “Courtesy of the Red, White And Blue” plays over a speaker in the barn. The smell of wood chips and sheen are accompanied by the familiar smell of your favorite Crock-Pot® meal. Kids race by on their scooters, stopping only long enough to steal a snack that is sure to spoil their appetites. A day filled with food, family and friends turns into an evening of excitement. As the number of people in the aisles of the barn dwindle and the crowds ringside grow, people young and old turn their focus to watch the winners be crowned. After the dust settles and backdrops are taken, attention shifts to the night sky for another spectacular event. 

Although spending the Fourth of July at a livestock show is not traditional for some, there is no place we’d rather be. The Fourth of July is more than a holiday the same as it is More Than A Show Pig.