Independence Day is Friday, but fireworks have been streaking across Bowling Green for well over a week now. From firecrackers to bombshells, local residents have been gearing up for one of the most festive days of the year.

Despite the fanfare, some in the community noticed that downtown Bowling Green is oddly empty during the festivities. The District, a group dedicated to resurrecting Bowling Green’s local pride, noticed this and took action.

The BB&T 4th of July Block Party will be held at Circus Square Park in downtown Bowling Green from 2:30 to 7 p.m. 

Arin Holton, event coordinator for The District, said this new event is aimed at families to provide a fun atmosphere that everyone can enjoy.

“We want to encourage local residents and their families to stay in Bowling Green for their Fourth of July festivities and have a great time,” she said.

Holton further mentioned that picnic baskets are highly encouraged as the “atmosphere will be fun and family friendly.”

Festivities will include music from 2:30 to 4 p.m. by local radio station WOVO 106.3, old-fashioned games for children, such as three-legged races, hosted by SkyPAC from 3 to 5 p.m. and live music from local band Soul House from 4 to 6 p.m.

All events are free.

To accompany the festivities, the Bowling Green Hot Rods will be competing against the Dayton Dragons in a special 4th of July-themed home game.

Hot Rods broadcasting and media relations manager Andrew Kappes said that while there are typically fireworks on Friday night home game, the Fourth of July show will have much more of a bang.

“(These) will be nearly double in length,” he said. “It’ll be a much larger and extravagant show.”

The Hot Rods will also auction off commemorative jerseys during the game.

The proceeds will go to benefit the Fisher House, an organization that provides housing to veterans and their families while they’re receiving medical treatment, Kappes said.

Fourth of July-themed events will be held throughout the game as well.

After the game and fireworks, Sleeper Agent, a band with roots in Bowling Green, will perform at the Hitcents Park Plaza as part of the BB&T Block Party festivities. Its show will begin after the fireworks at the Hot Rods Stadium and is completely free to the public.

At this time, there are no street closings planned during these events.

With a day full of festivities planned, resident students are sure to have plenty of ways to spend their holiday.

“This event was orchestrated to build a sense of unity between downtown businesses and the community, and also as just a fun place for local residents and families to enjoy themselves,” Holton said.