How to celebrate July 4th and America250 in Indianapolis
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Saturday isn't just the Fourth of July. It's the culmination of a 250th birthday celebration for the nation that the Hoosier state has spent years preparing for.
The big picture: Many Americans say the country's best days are behind it as it turns two and a half centuries old.
- But red, white and blue bashes like the ones happening this week in Indy appeal to the optimism that still exists.
State of play: The state is doing its part to support local exhibitions of patriotism through the Indiana 250 County Grant Program, which offers Hoosier counties a $1,000 grant to cover costs associated with America250 celebrations.
- Grant applications can be submitted to cover costs retroactively until July 31.
Between the lines: Officials say the spirit of the celebration is reflected in the journey of nine commemorative lanterns that are traveling through all 92 Indiana counties.
- Inspired by Paul Revere's lantern signal in April 1775, the lanterns will be permanently displayed in the Indiana War Memorial after Independence Day.
What they're saying: "America's 250th anniversary is a chance for Hoosier communities to reflect on the courage, sacrifice, and enduring principles that built our great country," Gov. Mike Braun said in a statement.
Zoom in: Here are 12 ways to celebrate Independence Day and America250 around Indianapolis.
Downtown Indy's Fourth Fest is back for a fourth year of celebrating at the American Legion Mall.
- A street festival featuring live music, food trucks and kids zone starts at 6pm Saturday.
- 20 minutes of fireworks will begin with a countdown at 10pm, and start firing from the top of the building at 500 N. Meridian at 10:15pm.
- Fireworks will be synchronized with patriotic songs aired on local Radio One stations.
- The grand finale is presented by Indiana 250 and will celebrate the history of Indiana alongside America's 250th.
Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and musical guests will play patriotic favorites honoring 250 years of American history for three days at Conner Prairie, starting Thursday.
- During Thursday's show, the National Guard 38th Infantry Division Band Brass Quintet will perform at approximately 6:45 p.m.
- Friday's performance will feature a flyover by Indy Biplanes during the National Anthem.
- Tickets start at $13.
CarmelFest will once again pack two days of patriotism and partying into Carmel's Civic Square, and chairs are already lining the streets of the parade, which starts at 10:30am Saturday.
- Catch livestream coverage of the parade at this link or on Facebook.
- The festival runs from noon-10pm Friday and Saturday.
- Fireworks synchronized to music on WHJE 91.3 start at 9:45pm Saturday.
- CarmelFest has also instituted a no-pet policy due to the extreme heat and hot pavement.
Fun fact: Carmel is celebrating America's 250th birthday, and the city's 50th incorporation anniversary.
All-American Day in the Park brings fireworks to Beech Grove on Friday night.
- The party starts at 5:30pm in Sara T. Bolton Park with food, music and games, followed by fireworks around 10pm.
Indiana Historical Society will offer free admission Saturday with America250 and Independence Day activities planned for 11am-4pm.
- The building will be full of crafts, classic summer activities, and games that will remind families of their Fourth of July traditions.
- Topical showings of Ken Burns' new documentary, "The American Revolution," will start at 11:30am, 12:30pm and 1:30pm.
Independence Day Social at the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site runs from 11am-2pm Saturday, and is headlined by free first-floor tours of the historic residence.
- Also plan for games, food, live tunes and giveaways.
- The final event of the day is a Benjamin Harrison Lookalike Contest at 1:30pm. One adult and one child will take home prizes, so start getting your beard in presidential shape.
Night at the Park in Avon is having pre-holiday fireworks. Activities, food trucks, live face painting, pony rides and more get rolling at 6pm.
- Fireworks begin at 10pm.
The Lawrence 4th Fest will kick off at 10am Saturday with a parade, a fish fry, a classic car show, food trucks and live music.
- The free event takes place at Lawrence Community Park and ends with a 40-minute fireworks show starting at 10pm.
Fishers Parks is putting on a trio of fireworks shows around 10pm Saturday during a citywide Independence Day celebration.
- Fireworks will be launched from Holland Park in the Nickel Plate District. Before that, Groovesmash is playing a free show.
- Recommended viewing spots include the parking lots at Grace Church, Fall Creek Intermediate and Fall Creek Elementary.
- Fireworks will also be fired from a barge in Geist Marina.
Noblesville will host a July Fourth parade downtown at 4pm Saturday followed by a free festival in Forest Park from 6-10pm.
- Fireworks will be viewable from the park or the nearby Federal Hill Commons at 10pm.
Westfield Rocks the 4th at the Grand Park Sports Campus runs from 4-10:30pm Saturday.
- Live music, food vendors and carnival games are on tap.
- Fireworks start at 10pm.
Zionsville Lions Park will start Independence Day programming at 5pm, including its "largest fireworks ever" starting at 10pm.
- Parking starts at 4pm and costs $8 per car.
- Plus, the Zionsville Lions will be selling raffle tickets for $5 each, benefiting Zionsville Lions Park and a scholarship fund.
- The raffle's grand prize is $1,000 cash, and second place is $500.