Lexington Fourth of July celebrations offer ‘something for everyone.’ Here’s the schedule

Lexington will be celebrating in style this Fourth of July, with a weekend full of events ranging from fireworks to fun runs.

After two years of cancellations and restrictions due to COVID-19, Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton said this year’s festivities will closely resemble those from before the pandemic.

“Since 2020, our city has worked hard to make it through the COVID-19 pandemic, and we’ve done a great job all in all. And now with vaccines available to all, we are looking forward to life beyond the pandemic, and it’s time to celebrate,” Gorton said. “So what better way to celebrate than with a fireworks spectacular?”

The fireworks show is a partnership between the City of Lexington and R. J. Corman Railroad Group; since 2019, the company has hosted the launch from its facilities on the corner of W. Main Street and Oliver Lewis Way. Ed Quinn, president and CEO of R. J. Corman, said the company is “pleased” to partner with the City and the Lexington Parks & Recreation Department again this year.

“We are honored to serve our community this way, and we look forward to this year’s celebration of our country’s independence and the freedoms we enjoy,” he said.

According to the Mayor’s Office, this year’s display will cost around $18,000, although R. J. Corman is offering the facilities for free.

In addition to the fireworks, Gorton said the Fourth of July weekend will be packed with festivities. Here’s what will be going on:

Friday, July 1

• Lexingtonians can kick off the weekend with an Ice Cream Social, held 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at Henry A. Tandy Centennial Park (251 W. Main Street). Music provided by the Young at Heart Dixieland Band.

Saturday, July 2

• From 5-9 p.m., Moondance Amphitheater (1152 Monarch Street) will host the Red, White & Blues concert, featuring music by TeeDee Young. Food and drinks will be offered.

Sunday, July 3

• The annual Patriotic Concert will be held at Transylvania University and Gratz Park (W. Third Street). A preshow featuring the Young at Heart Big Band starts at 5 p.m., with the Lexington Philharmonic playing from 7:30-9 p.m. Guests are encouraged to bring a blanket or lawn chairs. Food will be available for purchase from food trucks, or picnics are also welcome.

Monday, July 4

• The 46th annual Bluegrass 10,000 and Fun Run will begin at 7:25 a.m. at the corner of Main and North Limestone Streets. Participants can still register for the wheelchair, 10K, Fun Run or virtual races, and community members are encouraged to come cheer on the runners.
• Lexington’s Fourth of July Festival will be held 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Courthouse Plaza, featuring food trucks and live music by Boogie G.
• The Fourth of July Parade will begin at 11:30 a.m. and runs along Main Street from Midland Avenue to Mill Street. Lexingtonians can watch from the sidelines or participate in the parade.
• The festivities will conclude with the Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular, beginning at 10 p.m. from R. J. Corman Railroad Group’s facilities at the corner of Main Street and Oliver Lewis Way. Spectators can see the display throughout downtown Lexington.

“This summer is going to look so much more like what we’re used to and like they did before,” Adrienne Thakur, deputy director of recreation for Lexington’s Parks & Recreation Department, said. “Even though some of it may look a little bit different still, we invite you to join us and enjoy these events over the Independence Day weekend. There is something for everyone.”

More information about this year’s festivities can be found at the City of Lexington’s website.