Published: July 01, 2009 10:16 pm         

Many activities planned for holiday

TERRE HAUTE — Events throughout the Wabash Valley will light up the sky when the sun goes down Saturday night, with a variety of activities set to run throughout the Fourth of July holiday.

The fireworks show at Fairbanks Park begins at dusk, said Eddie Bird, superintendent for Terre Haute Parks and Recreation. Last year the show began at 10:10 p.m.

“We hope everyone comes out and enjoys the evening,” Bird said of the free show. Spectators are reminded to refrain from bringing personal fireworks and pets to the park during the show, he said.

At 7:30 p.m., the Terre Haute Community Band will present “An American Salute” at the park’s amphitheater, providing a range of patriotic music from all eras.

For those wishing to begin celebrations earlier in the day, Vigo County’s Frontier Day Parade kicks off at 9:45 a.m. in the Indiana State University parking lot at Ninth and Chestnut streets.

“It’s one of the oldest parades in Terre Haute with horses in it,” said Sally DeLong, a member of the Wabash Valley Horseman’s Association. The event began in the 1940s, she said.

The parade route runs from ISU down Wabash Avenue and across the railroad tracks at First Street, then back to the starting point.

After the parade, the public is welcomed back to the Vigo County Fairgrounds for a horse show and awards for best costume, best horse and other categories, she said. A “little kids’ show” is also hosted with activities and prizes for small children.

“It’s an all-day affair,” she said.

A number of holiday festivities are scheduled throughout the area.

The Brazil Rotary Club will host its annual fireworks show Saturday night in Forest Park at dusk.

According to the group’s Web site, the 23-minute show will be accompanied by the CROCK, 92.7 FM, which can be heard on radios and a sound system within the park on Indiana 59 about a mile south of U.S. 40.

In Greene County, Linton’s 104th Independence Parade begins at 10 a.m. with activities scheduled throughout the day. Kelsey Andis will perform in Humphrey’s Park at 7 p.m., with Gregg Orman and the Cornerstone Eagle Band performing “A Silver Star Salute to Veterans” at 7:30 p.m. Fireworks in Linton are scheduled to begin at 10 p.m.

In Sullivan County, the Celebration of Freedom is scheduled Friday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at the Sullivan County Park and Lake in Sullivan. The event will feature live music, craft and food vendors, a pet parade, golf cart and boat parades, a fundraising dinner and a tractor pull. A fireworks display is planned for dusk Saturday.

Brian Boyce can be reached at 812-231-4253 or brian.boyce@tribstar.com.