An Independence Day to remember as nation’s 250th is celebrated at Vastwood Park

The annual Independence Day celebration at Vastwood Park is set for Saturday, July 4, with expanded festivities to mark the nation’s 250th birthday and the park’s 50th anniversary.

The event, sponsored by the Hancock County Fiscal Court, will feature an extended fireworks display over the lake beginning at approximately 9 p.m. A community time capsule will be buried near the beach house before the fireworks. The capsule, filled with items representing Hancock County in 2026, will be opened in 50 years.

Free inflatables will be available from 4 to 8 p.m. Organizers ask attendees to be mindful of inflatables designated for individuals with special needs and their caregivers. There will also be face painting and balloon twisting. In addition, a photo booth will be available for keepsake photos.

Live music begins with Josh Merritt from 5 to 7 p.m. Merritt is a Kentucky singer-songwriter whose style draws from artists such as the late Hank Williams and Townes Van Zandt.

Radiotronic will perform from 7:30 to 9 p.m. The Louisville-based group plays dance music from the 70s and 80s, along with more recent hits, and is known for high-energy shows.

Food and drink vendors will include Hello Pop, J’s Good Grub, Los Amigos and KY Freeze. Hancock County Coalition for Life will have hand-dipped ice cream, and the Hancock County Homemakers will be selling hamburgers and hotdogs.

Pageant registration begins at 1:30 p.m. behind the beach house, with competitions starting at 2 p.m. Baby Contest registration will be held from 3 to 3:30 p.m., followed immediately by the contest.

Divisions include Little Miss Fourth of July (ages 5 to 7), Princess Miss Fourth of July (8 to 10), Junior Miss Fourth of July (11 to 13), Miss Teen Fourth of July (14 to 16), Miss Fourth of July (17 to 19), Tiny Miss Fourth of July (2 to 4), Tiny Mister Fourth of July (2 to 4) and a Baby Contest (birth to 24 months).

Baby Contest divisions include 0 to 6 months, 7 to 12 months, 13 to 18 months and 19 to 24 months, with separate categories for girls and boys. Contestants will compete in casual attire and must be Hancock County residents.

The Daughters of the American Revolution Yellow Banks Chapter will display entries from its student patriotic art contest during the event, showcasing work by local youth in recognition of the nation’s 250th birthday.

Traffic through the park will be one-way beginning at 4 p.m., with entry from U.S. 60 and exit at Park Road (Ky. 1847). Attendees are encouraged to arrive early and plan accordingly.

Vastwood Park, located at 925 Vastwood Park Road in Hawesville, has served as a central gathering place for the community for 50 years. This year’s celebration aims to honor both the nation’s milestone anniversary and the park’s longstanding role in local traditions.