HANCOCK COUNTY – Without a doubt, the loudest holiday on the calendar is the Fourth of July. America’s Independence Day celebrates the 13 original American colonies’ official declaration of freedom from British rule with fireworks, cookouts, parades, music and more. Fireworks booths have been open since Memorial Day ,and there are numerous events to choose from during the first week of July.
Greenfield fireworks visible from several lots
GREENFIELD – Greenfield’s annual Fourth of July fireworks display begins at dusk Tuesday courtesy of Circle City Pyrotechnics and sponsor Dellen Automotive. Fireworks will be shot off from Greenfield Central Junior High School, 1440 N. Franklin St. Parking is available in the school lot and in the grass if the weather has been dry.
The fireworks also are visible from the soccer field parking lot across from the Hancock County Public Library (900 W. McKenzie Road) or the Greenfield-Central High School parking lot (810 N. Broadway). Spectators are welcome to bring coolers, blankets and lawn chairs.
Fortville fireworks display includes parade
FORTVILLE – If July 8 rolls around, and you haven’t had enough fireworks yet, head over to Landmark Park, 223 E. Staat St. Bikes, wagons and walkers will line up at 4:30 p.m. for a parade that launches from Landmark Park at 5 p.m. The route heads toward Main Street and then circles back to the park, where food and craft vendors await.
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Parade entry prizes will be given for the prettiest, the funniest, most patriotic, best holiday theme (any holiday), most creative family group and most creative pet entry.
The fireworks display begins at dusk. For more information or to participate in the parade or as a vendor, email [email protected].
Puppets part of patriotic fanfare
INDIANAPOLIS – Add puppets to your Fourth of July bash at the Indiana State Museum, 650 W. Washington St., the new home of Peewinkle’s Studio. The studio presents “The Summertime Cabaret” at 3 p.m. July 4. Tickets are $12, and patrons under 2 are admitted free.
Admission to the museum is $2 off when purchasing tickets to the puppet show. Kids are invited to take part in a puppet workshop following the show for $3. Audience members can enjoy free popcorn and stay downtown to watch the fireworks at dusk. Visit indianamuseum.org for more information.
Indianapolis Freedom Fest starts with live band
INDIANAPOLIS – The celebration starts early on the Fourth in Indianapolis with live entertainment on the grounds of the Indiana War Memorial, 431 N. Meridian St. Lemon Wheel, an eight-piece local cover band, will play music from the 1970s through today starting at 6:30 p.m.
The celebration features face-painting, bounce houses and games as well as food trucks and a live radio broadcast. At 10 p.m., the fireworks, shot from the top of the Regions Tower, 211 N. Pennsylvania, can be seen from just about anywhere in the downtown area.
The display will be synchronized to music played on several local radio stations including Country 97.1 HANK FM, B105.7, 93 WIBC and Fox 59.
Independence Day Social celebrates with history
INDIANAPOLIS – The Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site, 1230 N. Delaware, opens its doors at 1 p.m. for a free Independence Day Social. Visit the home of our country’s 23rd president; try out vintage games such as hoops and graces or croquet on the south lawn; sign your name to the Declaration of Independence; enjoy a tour of the first floor; make crafts; and (for $3) top it off with an ice cream cone. Admission to the museum is separate. For more information, visit bhpsite.org.
Classic plane offers flights to the public
FISHERS – The Madras Maiden, a Boeing B-17 bomber used in World War II, will offer public tours and flights Saturday and Sunday at the Indianapolis Metropolitan Airport, 9913 Willow View Road.
The bomber’s appearance is sponsored by the Liberty Foundation, with a mission of honoring and remembering those who never made it home from military service.
The plane, known as the “flying fortress,” saw combat in several wars. Built in 1935, the plane flew missions from World War II through the Vietnam War. Today, fewer than 100 of the B-17 bombers still exist, and only 12 still fly. For more information on scheduling a flight, visit libertyfoundation.org or call 918-340-0243.
Symphony on the Prairie endures as Independence Day tradition
FISHERS – A picnic on the grass followed by a patriotic concert and a fireworks display is a Fourth of July custom for many at Conner Prairie, 13400 Allisonville Road.
July 1 through 4, the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra (ISO) presents a Star-Spangled Symphony. Gates open at 4:30 p.m., and the music starts at 8 p.m.
The ISO will salute all four branches of the U.S. Armed Forces and finish with fireworks and Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture,” complete with real cannon fire. Food service is available on the grounds. For more information and ticket prices, visit indianapolissymphony.org.
