Area state parks celebrate the Fourth with explosive displays

State parks around the region will be celebrating the 4th of July this year with fireworks, entertainment, camping, picnics and plenty of fun for the family.

Many state parks have special events for guests and campers on July 4 and throughout the weekend.

In fact, Greenbo Lake State Resort Park near Greenup, Ky., is one of seven Kentucky state parks that will be hosting fireworks this holiday.

“We appreciate the organizations that are supporting the fireworks displays this year at our state parks,” Parks Commissioner Gerry van der Meer said in a news release. “We receive great support from our community partners.”

Here is a listing of just some of the state park events planned for the July 4th weekend.

Greenbo Lake State Resort Park, Greenup, Ky.

The evening festivities on Saturday, July 4, will kick off at the Greenbo Lake Amphitheatre with a 7:30 p.m. concert featuring The Kentucky Blue Collar Band. The band adds a little bid of blues, a little bit of rock with a Southern country boy attitude to round out the original and unique sound of The Kentucky Blue Collar Band. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets. Admission is $5 per person, children ages 6 to 12 $2, and children 5 years and under free. Fireworks will start at 10 p.m. from the Community Pool Parking Lot. Call 800-325-0083.

Paintsville Lake State Park, Paintsville, Ky.

Paintsville Lake State Park will celebrate the 4th of July by having a campsite decorating contest for those who display their red, white and blue. First and second place winners in both RV and Tent campers will receive free camping. Call 606-297-8486.

Jenny Wiley State Resort Park, Prestonsburg, Ky.

Starting Friday, July 3, the park will have a watermelon eating contest, old-fashion sack race, pine derby cars and race, Huck Finn raft race, patriotic T-shirts, Independence Day face painting, patriotic crafts and more. Special guest Tim Michaels, “The One Man Band,” will perform Friday night. Saturday there will be a cornhole tournament. Call 800-325-0142.

Cass Railroad State Park,
Cass, W.Va.

A Murder Mystery Train Package with “The Murder of Lumberjack Johnny Parker” at Cass Scenic Railroad State Park. Enjoy a great buffet dinner, but watch your back because somebody isn’t going to make the return trip. Cost is $40; $30 for children 5 to 12 and $20 for under 5. Train ride to Whittaker Station, dinner and entertainment. Reservations required. Call 304-456-4300.

Cass Scenic Railroad State Park, Cass, W.Va.

The Fiddles and Vittles Dinner Train package is an evening train ride to Whittaker Station that includes a great buffet dinner and live bluegrass entertainment. Tickets $34, children (5-12) $24; under 5  $14. Reservations required. Call 304-456-4300.

Big Bone Lick State Park,
Union, Ky.

Creek stomping July 4. Join the naturalist to see all the wonders that can be found and experienced in Big Bone Creek as you stay cool while learning about nature. Caution: You will get wet. Parents must accompany children, and registration is required. Not recommended for young children. Call Todd Young at 859-384-3522 or todd.yougn@ky.gov.

Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park, Parkersburg, W.Va.

The island honors the sacrifices made during the War for Independence and the continuing sacrifices made by this country’s men and women. At 2 p.m. Saturday, the bell will be rung 13 times to signify the original 13 colonies. Call 304-420-4800.
There’s also a program on July 4 on the island paying homage to the men and women involved in the 18th century cycles of war and peace shaped the future of Trans-Allegheny culture.

Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park, Mount Olivet, Ky.

The Cedar Hill Institute will kick the weekend off with a free violin concert 1-3 p.m. at the Worthington Lodge.  Hidden Waters Restaurant will serve the first Friday seafood buffet 4-9 p.m. Saturday, July 4, the park naturalist will provide a free guided battlefield walk at 1 p.m. Free children’s nature crafts planned for Saturday. Hidden Waters restaurant will serve the great American hamburger and hot dog buffet from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. A cornhole tournament is scheduled for Sunday, July 5. Teams must pre-register. The winning team receives a $100 gift card. Second place receives a $50 gift card. Call Paul Tierney at 800-443-7008 to sign up.

Canaan Valley Resort State Park in Davis, W.Va.

Windfest runs Friday and Saturday, July 4-5. Fun for the whole family with Wings over Washington kite club demonstrating kite building and conducting workshops, as well as stunt demos. Call 304-866-4121, ext. 2677.

Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park, Buckhorn, Ky.

Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park will have its Independence Day celebration Saturday, July 4. From 5 to 10 p.m. the band 2nd Wind will perform on the Marina Road. Fireworks over the lake will be at dark. Events sponsored by Buckhorn Scenic Trail Association and Perry County Clerk’s office. Call 800-325-0058.

Fort Boonesborough State Park, Richmond, Ky.

Runs through July 5. Celebrate with a weekend of patriotic activities. The park will have scheduled times for a campers’ decoration contest, crafts, bingo, free tours, hayrides, a parade and NASCAR on the big screen TV. Call 859-527-3131.