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I don’t know about you, but Independence Day is one of my favorite holidays! I mean think about it – you get to hang out with friends and family, enjoy some yummy food (usually grilled hamburgers & hotdogs or perhaps some fried chicken), relax under the stars, and watch the night sky explode into a spectacular display of lights and colors! Even though it’s hot and you’re sweating your booty off - you don’t care because you don’t have to buy a gift for anyone, all you have to do is relax and enjoy! Throughout the weekend of July 3 and 4, Owensboro presents several opportunities for you to do just that!

            Kicking of this fun filled weekend is the Family Freedom Festival at Panther Creek Park on July 3^rd! This fun-filled evening begins at 5 p.m. with live Bluegrass music for all to enjoy. There will be several food vendors serving up such delectable snacks as funnel cakes, cotton candy and lemon shake-ups. The Owensboro Pork Producers will also be selling delicious pork burgers. For a small fee, there will also be various inflatable rides and games for the kids to enjoy.   

            “We encourage people to come out and make a night of it!” says Daviess County Parks and Recreation Executive Director Ross Lee. “People come early in the evening, claim a spot, set up their grill, and just relax and enjoy family time.”

            The highlight of the evening begins promptly at 9:15 p.m. when one of the most spectacular fireworks display in the county lights up the night sky to a chorus of “ooos” and “aaahhs!”

            Although the food vendors and rides cost, all other activities, including entrance, are absolutely FREE!! So pack your coolers, grab a blanket, and head out to Panther Creek Park and enjoy the Family Freedom Festival! For more information on the Family Freedom Festival, call the DC Parks office at 270-685-6142.

            If you’re looking for more of an adult friendly and “festive” atmosphere, head on down to the riverfront for Friday After 5’s Patriotic Night! Beginning at 5:30 at the RiverPark Center, you can boogie under the stars at the free outdoor music concert featuring Black Widow. Feel free to shake your money maker to the fantastic dance mix of this energizing band!  There will also be a street fair featuring Armed Forces simulators. For more information on all Friday After 5 events visit www.fridayafter5.com.

            Another exciting event happening along the riverfront is the Celebration of American Spirit event taking place at English Park. The highlight of this event’s activities will be their fireworks display. Launched off a barge from the middle of the Ohio River, you can see this spectacular display from several downtown areas including the Friday After 5 events!

            Finally, Diamond Lake Resort adds its fun to the weekend by hosting their 3^rd annual Freedom Bash! The excitement begins on Friday the 4^th and continues through Saturday the 5^th. Through out the weekend you will have the opportunity to take part in several activities including watermelon seed spiting, pie eating, and chicken chucking contests, along with a scavenger hunt, an ice cream social, and a pizza party! Kind of takes you back to elementary school, huh? A DJ will be on hand Friday night to encourage you to rock the night away.

            DL’s go-carts, paddle boats, and paintball arena will also be open providing hours of adrenaline. The weekend is capped of on Saturday night for their amazing fireworks display! “The fireworks show will be better than last year,” says owner, Smith. “I was amazed at last year’s show so I am really looking forward to this year’s display!”

            Although all of the camp sites are booked, you are still encouraged to come out and enjoy all of the activities. After all, admission is FREE! For more information on Diamond Lake Resort, visit www.diamondlakeresort.net.

Fireworks at home can mean a lot of fun, but can also be dangerous! In 2005, alone, 4 people died and an estimated 10,800 were injured due to the improper usage and handling of fireworks. However, the number of injuries, today, is lower than the past-meaning, awareness of fireworks safety is on the rise. Here are a few tips and interesting fireworks facts for the kids:

• Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks.

• Read and follow all warnings and instructions.

• Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks.

• Only light fireworks on a smooth, flat surface away from the house, dry leaves, and flammable materials.

• Never try to relight fireworks that have not fully functioned.

• Keep a bucket of water in case of a malfunction or fire.

• Sparklers are the number one cause of fireworks related injuries in children under five.

• If at all possible, leave the fireworks to the pros and head down to these fab 4 events!