News Summary
Bowling Green, Kentucky, will celebrate Thunder Fest, an early Independence Day event, at Ephram White Park. The festival honors WWII veteran Hayward Minton and features live music, food trucks, activities for children, and a spectacular fireworks display. With decades of tradition, this community gathering fosters unity and patriotism, making it a cherished experience for families and friends alike.
Bowling Green to Host Thunder Fest on June 28
Bowling Green, Kentucky, is set to welcome Thunder Fest, an early celebration of Independence Day, on Saturday, June 28. The event will take place at Ephram White Park and is a longstanding family tradition that has been celebrated for over five decades, bringing together community members for a day of fun, entertainment, and unity.
This year’s Thunder Fest is particularly meaningful as it honors 103-year-old World War II veteran Hayward Minton, who served as the first Thunder Fest Chair in 1972. The tribute to Minton adds a historical significance to the event that reflects the community’s respect and gratitude towards its veterans.
Attendees can look forward to an array of activities suitable for all ages, including live music, local food trucks, and a dedicated kids zone featuring games and various activities. The children’s area aims to keep younger visitors entertained while families enjoy the festivities.
The highlight of the event will be the fireworks display, scheduled to start at 9:30 p.m., adding a spectacular visual element to the celebration. The concert lineup will feature performances by Bad Navigator, The Josephines, and local talent Rowdy Shea, who is a graduate of South Warren High School and a contestant on “The Voice.” Shea will headline the concert, which begins at 7:30 p.m., offering attendees a chance to enjoy live music in a festive atmosphere.
Event Details
Admission to Thunder Fest is set at $25 per car load, making it an affordable outing for families and friends looking to celebrate together. The park provides ample space for attendees to relax and enjoy the various festivities throughout the day.
Background on Thunder Fest
Thunder Fest has become a cherished community event in Bowling Green. Established more than 50 years ago, it has evolved into a local gathering that not only celebrates Independence Day but also showcases the talent and spirit of the community. The event encourages community involvement and creates lasting memories for residents and visitors alike.
The dedication to honoring veterans, such as Hayward Minton, truly resonates with the American spirit of patriotism and respect for those who have served in the armed forces. Celebrating at Thunder Fest allows attendees to reflect on the significance of independence while fostering a sense of community connection.
As families prepare for the upcoming festivities, Thunder Fest promises to be a memorable experience filled with joy and celebration. With live entertainment, engaging activities, and the artistry of fireworks lighting up the night sky, Bowling Green’s Thunder Fest offers an exciting and family-friendly way to kick off the Fourth of July celebrations.
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Additional Resources
- WBKO: Independence Day Events in Southern Kentucky
- Wikipedia: Independence Day (United States)
- WNKY: Where to Watch Fireworks in South Central Kentucky
- Google Search: Independence Day Kentucky
- Spectrum News: Newport Blast Event
- Google Scholar: Independence Day celebrations in Kentucky
- WBKO: BG Thunder Fest Returns
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Independence Day
- Sentinel-Tribune: BG Boom Festival and Fireworks
- Google News: July 4 celebrations in Bowling Green
Author: STAFF HERE BOWLING GREEN WRITER
The BOWLING GREEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBowlingGreen.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bowling Green, Warren County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Corvette Homecoming, International Festival, concerts at SKyPAC, and sports events at Beech Bend Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce and the African American Museum Bowling Green Area, plus leading businesses in automotive, apparel, and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors Corvette Assembly Plant, Fruit of the Loom, and Med Center Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELexingtonKY.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
