This year Independence Day falls on a hump day – Wednesday. Make sure you finish off your week with a bang (pun intended). There are plenty of fireworks shows going on in Central Indiana so there’s no excuse to miss the festivities. Here is a list of free events happening around and on July 4.
Hendricks County Rib Fest – Avon
The 8th Annual Hendricks County Rib Fest will be held June 30, from 5 to 10:30 p.m. at Kingsway Christian Church located at the corner of Dan Jones Road and 100 N.
Crowds can find easy parking, be shuttled from adjacent lots or can walk and ride bikes to the event. Parking will be $5 per carload.
As always, the festival offers great barbecue, fun games, free music and fireworks. This year’s headliner is Jennie DeVoe.
There will also be Earthstock, an Earth friendly display of artists, vendors, games and informational booths related to keeping the community green.
For complete details, call (317) 272-4333; for traffic patterns and menus, visit avonchamber.org/liveandwork/rib_fest.aspx.
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2012 Lions Extravaganza – Brownsburg
The Brownsburg Lions Club will host its annual Lions Extravaganza July 2-7. The event will include a carnival; a corn tent; the Lions kitchen featuring burgers, dogs, chicken tenderloins, fries and more; a merchants tent; and the July 4 parade. July 4 fireworks begin at 10 p.m. For more information, call (317) 852-8087 or visit brownsburglionsclub.org.
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Carmel Fest – Carmel
Each year the skies light up with an amazing display of pyrotechnics on July 4 at 9:45 p.m. with the “107.9 Fireworks at CarmelFest launched by Firestone.”
The fireworks will be launched from an area just north of the Gazebo.
Tune your radios to 107.9 FM to hear the sounds of this year’s festival synchronized with the lightshow. For more information, visit carmelfest.net.
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Greenwood Freedom Festival – Greenwood
This two-day event features activities for the whole family. The Symphonic Concert in the park kicks off this year’s Freedom Festival. Grab your blanket or lawn chair for an enchanting evening at Surina Square Amphiteatre. There will also be the Kite Family Community Cookout featuring music by the Greater Greenwood Community Band and the Woomblies Rock Symphony Orchestra.
On June 30 there is a day filled with fun. The Old Town Greenwood street fair will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Old City Park; the Hoosier Falcon Club Car Show will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Greenwood Community Center; We The People parade begins at 10 a.m.
The Greenwood Public Library will host a live concert with microbrews, wine and food from 3 to 9:45 p.m.
From 6 to 9 p.m. there will be a kids’ fair held in Craig Park. Also in the park is the Indiana National Guard Band and Donna Jones live on stage from 7:30 to 10:15 p.m.
The night ends with the City of Greenwood Fireworks Celebration beginning at 10:15 p.m. WTTS World Class Rock will synchronize the fireworks show to live music. Make sure your radios are tuned to 92.3 FM. Bring lawn chairs, blankets and radios to Craig Park and enjoy the display. For more information, visit GreenwoodFreedomFestival.com.
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Downtown Freedom Blast – Indianapolis
Join Donatos, Country 97.1 HANK FM, 93.1 WIBC, 1070 the Fan and B105.7 on July 4 on the grounds of the Indiana War Memorial for the Donatos Downtown Freedom Blast. Bring your family and blankets to reserve your seat at this great family event.
Beginning at 6:30 p.m. there will be plenty of activities to keep your entire family entertained all evening as well as Donatos Pizza, ice cream and soda available for purchase (cash only).
To top off the evening, the downtown fireworks will be launched from the Regions Bank Building just before 10 p.m. Be sure to tune your radio to 97.1 HANK FM, B105.7 or 93.1 WIBC for the official fireworks soundtrack. For more information, log on to visitindy.com.
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Hummel Park Fourth of July Extravaganza – Plainfield
Come join one of the largest Fourth of July celebrations in Central Indiana on July 4 from 5 to 10:30 p.m.
Bring your lawn chairs, picnics and families to enjoy bounce houses, carnival food vendors, live music, fireworks and more.
This year the park welcomes the return of The Knightsmen, Indiana’s original garage band, performing favorites from the ‘60s and current music. Opening for The Knightsmen will be Hendricks County’s own, The New Old Timers, featuring bluegrass and gospel favorites. The concert will begin at approximately 6 p.m.
Fireworks will follow the concert. For more information, call (317) 839-9121 or visit hummelpark.net.
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July 4th Celebration – Zionsville
This year’s 4th of July Celebration looks to be larger than ever before, with fireworks, entertainment and family fun activities for all ages in Lions Park, 115 S. Elm St.
The fireworks won’t start until dusk, around 10 p.m., but many people come early to get good seats and enjoy great food. This year The Lions Club has added new activities starting at 5 p.m. to make the time waiting for the fireworks more fun for families.
For more information, visit vipfourthfun.eventbrite.com, Zionsvillelions.com or email leighann@truevalue.net.
