The City of Owensboro is restructuring its All-American Fourth of July event. In order to comply with social distancing guidelines, the City is altering plans for the annual downtown celebration and will instead launch fireworks simultaneously in numerous locations within City limits on July 3 at 9:15 p.m.
The fireworks show will be launched from eight locations around Owensboro: Thompson-Berry Park, Centre Court, Owensboro Sportscenter/Moreland Park, Southern Little League, the former Owensboro Health hospital, the former GE plant, and the Ohio River in downtown Owensboro. Owensboro Country Club will also synchronize its display to coincide with the other shows.
“This year, instead of 15,000 people gathering along our riverfront, we are bringing the celebration to you,” said Tim Ross, Director of Public Events for the City of Owensboro. “It’s a unique situation, but we still wanted the community to be able to celebrate the holiday together, while avoiding massive crowds. You can stay at home and enjoy a barbecue picnic with your family and friends, or drive to a parking lot near one of the launch locations and still enjoy a great fireworks show.”
Those who decide to view from a parking lot or area near a launch location are asked to maintain social distancing from other families.
Spectators can tune in to 92.5 FM WBKR to listen to the soundtrack to which the fireworks have been choreographed. The 10-12 minute fireworks show will be shorter in duration than the normal riverfront show in order to accommodate the multiple locations throughout the City.
For the safety of the public and the pyrotechnic professionals, the secure fireworks launch sites will not be open to the public. People attempting to watch from the launch sites will cause the fireworks at that location to be halted.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to celebrate Independence Day with our community,” said Mayor Tom Watson. “In this time of uncertainty, when so many special events are being cancelled, we’re proud to offer this creative alternative to kick off the holiday weekend.”
