Emily Darnell

The fourth of July is a huge holiday all over the United States. Massive crowds gather to watch dazzling firework displays and families and friends gather for delicious barbeques filled with all sorts of cookies, burgers, chips, and drinks. Sometimes it may seem like there is nothing to do but sit on the couch, watching fireworks on TV. There are plenty of things to do besides sitting on the couch in a junk food induced coma, though.

Plenty of firework displays can be found throughout Louisville, whether in your neighbor’s back yard or in a theatrical display that took months of planning. On July 3, a fireworks display after the 6:45 Louisville Bat’s baseball game lights up the waterfront.  Smaller fireworks are available for purchase outside of a local Kroger or in small stands throughout the city. A firework show occurs at Norton’s Commons on June 29 for those who will not be in town on July 4.

Not having a big cookout is ok too. Try having a small get together with a couple of friends and drink lemonade and eat chips or something like that. The Waterfront Independence Day Festival is a free, two-day event with fireworks, concerts by Justin Moore and Kool & the Gang, and plenty of activities for kids.

If fireworks aren’t a concern, the Crescent Hill Art and Music Festival is July 4 to 5 with live music and over 100 artist booths from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Fireworks are set off both nights as well for those who enjoy them. You can do so much more on Independence Day than just sitting around the house being miserable.

Louisville is buzzing with activities around the fourth of July, and even before that as well. Sitting around because “there’s nothing to do” isn’t an excuse to use because there is plenty to do for everyone, involving fireworks or not. Fireworks are great, but having fun and celebrating is the most important part of the day; so whatever is decided, have a great fourth of July.