Firework faves: Communities bursting with activities for Fourth of July

The Independence Day holiday gets started with a bang this weekend.

The skies will illuminate with pyrotechnics, from the many-tendrilled spiders to the delicately expanding chrysanthemums to the booming finale. Live music and the sumptuous smell of summertime treats will fill the air.

Parades and kids’ activities and vendors will only stoke the patriotic and community bond as we all celebrate together.

The Greenwood Freedom Festival helps welcome the Fourth of July season on Saturday, welcoming residents and visitors to the city’s largest festival and one of the area’s most popular events. Local residents can enjoy a parade, food, beer and wine vendors and a kids zone filled with inflatables.

Throughout the afternoon, dance to rock, pop, R&B and more when party bands The Big 80s and the Flying Toasters take the stage. After the music stops, a special performance of “The Star Spangled Banner” and retirement of the flag will refocus the meaning of the holiday.

And it all wraps up under the fireworks-laden skies at dusk.

More than 50,000 people pack into Greenwood’s Craig Park for the Freedom Festival every year. The city has been staging the festival-style Independence Day event nearly every year the past 20 years.

Everything starts at 4 p.m. with the traditional parade. High school marching bands, police and fire departments, and civic organizations will make a loop around the Old Town area of Greenwood.

The route starts on Madison Avenue north of Old Town, heading all the way south to Surina Way. The floats and paraders will travel east to Meridian Street before marching north to Isom Elementary School.

Afterwards, the party moves to Craig Park and its event lawn, where people can find music, food, a beer and wine garden and more throughout the evening. The Big 80s perform from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., while the Flying Toasters take the stage from 8 to 10 p.m.

The Kids Zone returns this year, offering inflatables, face painting, and other fun family-centric activities. Unlimited inflatable access bracelets are available for $10, and individual attraction tickets can be purchased at the event.

While the Freedom Festival is one of the largest events taking place in honor of the Fourth of July, communities and organizations all over Johnson County will be celebrating as well over the next week. Here’s what else to find throughout Johnson County:

Light Up the Sky

What: 6-11 p.m. Friday, Aspen Trace, 3154 S. SR 135, Greenwood

The community is invited to Aspen Trace for games, family fun, food trucks and fireworks. Food will be available for purchase from 6-9 p.m., while fireworks begin at 10. People are encouraged to bring their own lawn chair and blankets.

Sparks in the Park

What: 7 p.m. Friday, gates open at 6, Johnson County Park Amphitheater, 3097 E. 32nd St., Nineveh

The Johnson County Park’s annual extravaganza bursts into action again this year. This family-friendly event features live music by Klarc Whitson at 6:30 p.m. and 2000 & Late at 8 p.m., fireworks, beer and wine from Taxman Brewing, MashCraft Brewing and Mallow Run Winery food trucks, inflatables, and more. People can take a ride with the Indiana Steamers for $4. Cost of entry is $5 for ages 13 and older.

Greater Greenwood Community Band Patriotic Concert

What: 7 p.m. Friday, Greenwood Amphitheater, 100 Surina Way

It’s “Stars and Stripes Forever” when the Greater Greenwood Community Band takes the stage for its traditional patriotic concert. The show includes a performance of “The Star Spangled Banner” with the Greenwood and New Whiteland Color Guard presenting the nation’s colors and service flags, plus a variety of selections steeped in Americana. People are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and snacks. Admission is free, but donations are accepted to support the band.

Dream Team Fireworks Night

What: 8-10:30 p.m. Sunday, Grace Assembly of God, 6822 U.S. 31, Whiteland

Grace Assembly of God will recognize its current Dream Team members, and provide information for others who want to join the group offering their time and talents in support of the church’s activities, during this community event. Starting at 8 p.m., people can meet in the Worship Center to learn more about the Dream Teams, then move outdoors at 9 p.m. for hot dogs, hamburgers and fireworks at dusk. People are asked to register at thegraceag.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/2352521.

Peoga Parade

Details: 2 p.m. July 4, Peoga. Lineup begins at 12:30 p.m. at Small Town Market, 8639 S. CR 250 W., Trafalgar

What: The community of Peoga, located in the southwest corner of Johnson County, may be tiny on the map. But the people who call it home think big when it comes to parties. The Peoga Parade is a fun tradition that celebrates the patriotic spirit of the community, and features local marching bands, floats from civic organizations, political leaders and others.

Edinburgh Firecracker Festival

What: 5 p.m. July 4, School Hill, downtown Edinburgh

A Johnson County tradition continues, as Edinburgh hosts one of the only celebrations held on the Fourth of July. Kids and families can have fun on the bounce houses, bubble station and foam party. Experience the wonder of a magic show at 5:30 and 7 p.m., then rock out to the Mystery Train Band from 8 to 10 p.m. Food will be available from Lonely Monkey, Kovener’s Korner Ice Cream, Oriental Grill and MBL Concessions, while a beer garden will be set up for adults. Fireworks will launch from School Hill shortly after 10 p.m.

Red, White and Blueberry Festival

What: noon-9 p.m. July 6, Mallow Run Winery, 6964 W. Whiteland Road, Bargersville

Put an exclamation mark on the extended Fourth of July holiday with music, wine and fireworks at Mallow Run. Enjoy live performances on the winery patio from noon to 3 p.m., then a headlining performance by the Indigos at 6 p.m. Admission is free before 5 p.m.; afterwards, the cost is $10 per car. A fireworks finale will cap off the night after the music ends.

CORRECTION: 3:19 p.m. July 3

A previous version of this story said the Peoga Parade was on Tuesday, July 2. It is actually set for Thursday, July 4.