The Heartland knows how to celebrate America’s birthday in style! There are lots of patriotic, community-spirited events taking place over the next two weeks. Get on your walking shoes, grab the kids (or kids at heart) and be prepared to have some fun as everyone gets into the swing of summer.
Get a head start on the flag waving and patriotism on June 23 at the PatriotFest at Ft. Harrison VFW Post 7119 (6525 Lee Rd.) from 3:30-11:30 p.m. The summer party has a great cause — the Hoosier Veteran Assistance Foundation Food Pantry. Admission to PatriotFest is $10 and 10 non-perishable food items. There will be a car show (admission fee is $10 and 10 non-perishable food items), a cornhole tournament, blackjack and poker, raffles, music, food, and a cash bar. It is a great way to show your support for our veterans.
If you love fireworks and fun, head over to New Palestine June 22 and 23 for their Summer Fest. Doors open Fri., June 22 at 5:30 p.m. at 14 S. Depot with music, a kid’s zone, food, beer and wine garden, and more. Make plans to avoid US 52 as it will be closed June 23 from 6 a.m.-midnight so the festival can move to Main Street, beginning with a Run for Hope at 8 a.m., plus a car show, carnival and lots more. Admission is free.
The Fourth Fest in Lawrence will be held June 28-July 7, with a week-plus of carnival rides, vendors, a parade, car show, and fireworks. Always a great few days in Lawrence in Community Park, 5301 N. Franklin Rd., the event will include fireworks July 4 at 10 p.m. There’s lots to do every day, and admission is free. Visit www.cityoflawrence.org for more information and opening times.
The Cumberland Blues, Beer, and BBQ event will be held June 30 from 4-10 p.m. with great beer and food, plus a terrific lineup of music that include Gordon Bonham, Tad Robinson, and Harper & Midwest Kind. The evening tops off with fireworks. This is also a family event, with non-alcoholic beverages available. Admission is free. The event will be held on Saturn St. near Honors Park and Cumberland First Baptist.
Beech Grove Promoters Club hosts an All American Day in the Park July 3 at Sara T. Bolton Park, 1300 Churchman Ave. and is a big deal for fireworks lovers. Beech Grove puts on a wonderful display. The show begins at 10 p.m., but get there early for food, music, and fun.
Downtown, the IPL Freedom Fest kicks off at 6:30 p.m. at Indiana War Memorial downtown, 55 E. Michigan. Food, music and family fun is the order of the day, topped off with fireworks at dusk, about 10 p.m. Admission is free.
Our Indianapolis Indians celebrate the holiday with America’s pastime — baseball! They take on the Louisville Bats at 6:15 p.m. (gates open at 4:30 p.m.), and after the game, there is a fireworks display. Tickets are ridiculously cheap for a top-notch game played in one of the most beautiful baseball fields in the country: $10-$16 for kids, and $11-$17 for adults. Visit www.indyindians.com to purchase tickets in advance.
Greenfield will have a fireworks display on July 4 at dusk at Greenfield Central Junior H.S., 1440 N. Franklin in Greenfield. Admission is free.
