LEXINGTON, Ky. (FOX 56) — Energy filled the streets of Lexington as the community once again went all out for a big Fourth of July celebration.
With a parade, vendors, and live music, Lexington went all out to bring out a huge Independence Day celebration, bringing out people of all ages. Justin Bailey and Keenon Swinford both said the event was the perfect opportunity to spend time with family.
“Watching the children laugh, play, and making memories with them. Due to work, it’s hard to have a day off to spend with them; it’s the most pleasurable thing I could do,” Bailey said.
“It’s always a good time, something to look forward to. Great fun for family and kids. We’re very blessed as a city. It’s a lot of work, and we’re so glad they do it for us,” Swinford added.
The celebrations spanned all through the downtown area, with the scents like freshly popped kennel corn in the air. Vendors and musicians played a big role in Tuesday’s fun. Syndey Smith with J & ’s Italian Ice was happy to serve the community on a hot summer day of celebration.
“This is how we wanted to spend our day. We love seeing how happy everybody is with their Italian ice. We just love being part of the great community here,” Smith said.
George Burdette with Boogie G and the Titanics was one of the performers at the event, and he says he appreciated the event bringing everyone together.
“As a musician, it’s a fun time to play always to help celebrate. The best thing about it is the unity. We need that back in our community because we’re so separated now. It starts with each of us coming together and doing stuff like this, seeing our common ground, and embracing our common ground,” Burdette said.
This annual celebration is the result of a lot of different organizations coming together. Paul Hooper with Lexington Parks and Recreation said it speaks to how well the community of Lexington works together.
“Big credit to the first responders. It’s a massive team effort for an event Like this for the city. All of our parks and recreation staff are all hands on deck. We have our maintenance team; everyone got here bright and early, some at 4 a.m., to set up. Our first responders are here doing an exceptional job, so it’s a huge team effort by the whole city,” Hooper said.