Nearly 8,500 people are expected to make the drive out to Panther Creek Park on Saturday for what Daviess County leaders call the unofficial end to summer. The Independence Bank Fireworks Festival is free to the public and will begin at 5 p.m.
According to Daviess County Parks and Recreation Director Ross Leigh, the fireworks display is expected to begin at 8:30 p.m. and will last around 22 minutes.
“There is no light pollution at Panther Creek Park,” Leigh said. “It makes for a quality show.”
According to Leigh, Daviess County Fiscal Court doesn’t have to spend a lot to put on fireworks to put on a good show. Of the $8,500 total cost for the fireworks, title sponsor Independence Bank picks up $3,500.
Daviess County resident Stuart Snow serves as pyrotechnic for the event. Leigh said Snow is able to put on a display that rivals all other shows in town with smaller firework shells — nearly half the size of what the City of Owensboro uses on Independence Day.
Leigh said there is plenty for families to do for the three and a half hours before the main event and the weather is expected to be ideal.
Food trucks will be on site offering a wide range of dinner options. Inflatables and pony rides are also available for children. And while all of these activities do cost, Leigh said the event itself and parking is free and families are welcome to bring their own food into the park. The Gary Vincent Trio will provide live music throughout the night.
Leigh suggests guests arrive at the park at least an hour early for the firework show. Entrances off of Wayne Bridge Road and Highway 279 will both be open.
