Downtown Lexington's 2012 Fourth of July festival will take place on Wednesday, July 4, with a handful of other events leading up to and following the culminating festivities, starting this weekend. Below is a sampling of the week's events. For the full schedule, check out the Downtown Lexington Corporation's brochure.
Friday, June 29:
-Fountain Films on Friday presents "1776" at Triangle Park; movie begins at dusk. Free and open to the public - bring a blanket or lawn chair to sit on!
Monday, July 2:
-The annual Great American Pie Contest and Ice Cream Social at Fifth Third Bank Pavilion at Cheapside Park takes place from noon-1 p.m., featuring performances from Young At Heart Jazz Band.
Tuesday, July 3:
-The Patriotic Music Concert featuring the Lexington Philharmonic & Lexington Singers at Transylvania University and Gratz Park, 8 p.m. The Young At Heart Jazz Band will perform in Gratz Park from 5:30-7:30.
Wednesday, July 4:
-Start the morning off by supporting the participants in the annual Bluegrass 10,000 Foot Race, which starts at 7:30 a.m. Last minute registration for the race takes place Tuesday, July 3, from 3-7 p.m. at Picadome, 469 Parkway Dr. The end of the race will feature live music from Still Kickin', from 8 - 10 a.m.
-The Downtown Street Festival will take place from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., featuring food and crafts vendors and live music at the following sites: Cheapside Park, History Museum on Short, Centrepointe Lot, Phoenix Park, Upper Courthouse Plaza.
-Phoenix Park schedule of live music: 11 a.m.: Fanged Robot; 12 p.m.:Oh My Me; 1 p.m.: Coralee & The Townies; 3:30 p.m.: Englishman; 4:30 p.m.: Matt Duncan.
-The Kids Zone will take place at the Billboard Parking Lot, at the corner of Short and N. Limestone, featuring free children's craft activities from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
-The Fourth of July parade starts at 2 p.m., running from Midland Avenue down Main Street to Broadway.
-July 4th Live! Performances by Mama's Blue Dress (6 p.m.) and Swing Street (8-10 p.m.) at Main Street and Minter Way.
-Downtown Fireworks will begin at 10:00 p.m.
Saturday, July 7
-Red, White & BOOM Concert will take place at Whitaker Bank Ballpark, noon - 10 p.m. Line-up includes Josh Turner, Daryl Worley, Kip Moore, Love & Theft, Jana Kramer, Tyler Farr, Kristen Kelly and Lauren Mink. More details here.