Celebrate the Fourth of July a little bit early this year with music, food, beer and wine vendors and, of course, a fireworks display over one of Johnson County’s nicest natural areas.
The Johnson County Park once again presents its Sparks in the Park event, with gates opening at 6 p.m. and music starting at 7 at the park amphitheater. Tickets are $5 — with kids 12 and under free — which gives people access a concert by Warrior Kings as well as the food, beer and wine vendors.
For those who prefer to simply enjoy the fireworks at dusk, people can spread out around the park in their vehicles to watch the pyrotechnics unfold.
“Last year was a tough year for everyone, ourselves included, with events getting canceled and the loss of revenue. So to be able to gather everyone together like this means everything,” said Kevin Leonard, assistant superintendent of Johnson County Park.
To keep everyone up and dancing before the fireworks finale, the Warrior Kings will spin a blend of hard rock and deep, dark blues roots to get the crowd rocking. The Indianapolis band has released two albums of original music, and has performed at countless events and programs around the region.
In 2015, they were crowned champions of The Hard Rock Rising Battle of the Bands in the Indianapolis region.
For those who work up an appetite — or a thirst — a slate of local food trucks, as well as brewery and winery vendors will be set up to provide refreshments. Lickity Slick Snowball Shop, Chomp’z Truck, Sons Kettle Corn and Nineveh Senior Center have signed on to serve everything from burgers to walking tacos to frozen treats.
Hoosier Brewing Company will provide the beer while Mallow Run Winery pours a selection of its wines and ciders.
New this year, organizers have arranged for for a kid’s area to be open at the back of the amphitheater, featuring a bounce house, rock wall and other activities. Admission to the area costs extra, and wristbands will be available for purchase. From 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Indiana Live Steamers will be running their trains. Tickets to ride are $3.
Tickets to the event are cash only, and there are no ATMs on site. Lawn chairs and blankets are welcome.
The park is located north of Camp Atterbury, off Schoolhouse Road.
