The Paducah July 4th Celebration sponsored by community partner, Independence Bank, will be Monday, July 4 on the riverfront in historic downtown Paducah.
Mayor George Bray said, “Paducah hosts one of the biggest Independence Day celebrations in the region, and we are looking forward to food, an incredible concert, and fireworks. Our residents and visitors can enjoy celebrating our nation’s independence coupled with a sense of normalcy as the event returns to Paducah’s beautiful riverfront.”
Food vendors will start serving by 5 p.m. They will be along Water Street between Broadway and Jefferson Street and along the 100 block of Jefferson Street. Also, at that time at Wilson Stage, there will be a meet and greet from 5 until 7 p.m. featuring J.D. Shelburne. Shelburne then hits the stage for a concert from 7:30 until 9 p.m. Fireworks begin after the concert at approximately 9:05.
Independence Bank McCracken County President Kevin Kauffeld said, “This will be nothing short of a spectacular show. We are proud to partner with the city of Paducah to put on this event that families can look forward to seeing this Fourth of July. We’re particularly excited because it’s expected to draw people from neighboring cities. Building a sense of community is core to the Bank’s beliefs, and it coincides with celebrating our country’s independence.”
The City has contracted with Cincinnati-based Arthur Rozzi Pyrotechnics for a fireworks show that will begin after the concert ends at approximately 9:05 p.m. 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. If a thunderstorm is in the area at the scheduled time for the fireworks, the fireworks show will be delayed until the weather clears. 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.
Director of Parks and Recreation Amie Clark said, “The July 4th Celebration is one of the biggest events of the year for the Paducah Parks & Recreation Department. We enjoy working with sponsors, vendors, and our musical guests to create a memorable event. This will be a special event with a return to the riverfront. We are looking forward to seeing the estimated 8000 to 10,000 people who usually enjoy Paducah’s downtown for the July 4th holiday.”
The City of Paducah also thanks Baptist Health for sponsoring this celebration.
Boaters will need to use the Ohio River Boat Launch at 6th and Burnett Streets since the floodwall openings at Broadway and Kentucky will close at 10 p.m. on July 3. Also at that time, Water Street between Kentucky Avenue and Jefferson Street and the 100 block of Jefferson Street will close to vehicular traffic until after the July 4th Celebration ends. Schultz Park and the small parking area near the transient boat dock also will close at 10 p.m. on July 3.
At 3 p.m. on July 4, Broadway will be closed between 4th Street and the riverfront for the July 4th event organized by Paducah Main Street and downtown merchants. Traffic flow will be maintained on 3rd and 4th Streets.
The Farmers’ Market parking lot and the municipal parking lot on Broadway both will be accessible from North 2nd Street.
The rain date for the celebration, if needed, is Tuesday, 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.
