What better way to spend the Fourth than in the county that fueled America through both World Wars AND an Industrial Revolution? Here are our top 10 ways to have a fun filled Fourth of July in Harlan County:
- Attend the Fourth Fest. Between live music, a cornhole tournament, vendors, and fireworks, the Fourth Fest in Downtown Harlan is a great way to celebrate Independence Day!
- Spectate or participate in a Fourth Of July Parade. Harlan, Evarts, and Lynch all have incredible Independence Day parades. No matter which one you choose to attend, you are destined to have an amazing time.
- Have a cookout at Martins Fork Lake. If you’re looking for some family fun on the Fourth, Martins Fork Lake is the perfect place. Between swimming, grilling, and fishing opportunities, you can create your own experience here. It’s the perfect place for gatherings!
- Run in the Red, White, and Zoom 5k. For those who like to stay active, the 5k is a great way to stay active this Independence Day.
- Visit Kingdom Come State Park. Appreciate the beauty that both our county and our country has to offer by visiting Kingdom Come State Park. Between countless trails, overlooks, playgrounds, fishing opportunities, picnic spots, and more, Kingdom Come is the perfect place to connect with nature on this Fourth of July.
- Take a trip to the Black Mountain Off-road Adventure Area. Spend your holiday weekend on Kentucky’s highest elevated off-road park. With 7,000 acres of adventure, you will undoubtedly have an incredible experience. After that, enjoy the small town celebrations in the nearby cities at night!
- 4th of July Red, White, & Blue Scramble. Form your own team or join one when you arrive for this scramble at Sleepy Hollow Golf Course! Enjoy 27 holes of golf: 9 red tees, 9 white tees, and 9 blue tees. A day off of work is the perfect day for the course.
- Participate in the Paint the Park 5K. This 3.1 mile walk on the shelter loop at Kingdom Come State Park is much more than just a walk in the park. Volunteers stationed along the path will use colored powder and gel to cover participants in a vibrant coat of color! Registration opens at 9 a.m. that morning with the race at 10 a.m. but you’re encouraged to pre-register to guarantee your t-shirt.
- Tri-Cities Independence Day Celebration. Visit Square on Main in Downtown Cumberland for a patriotic Independence Day! From 5-9pm, you can enjoy amazing food, vendors, great music, and more. A cornhole tournament will begin at 6pm, where you can win cash prizes. The fireworks will commence at 9pm!
- Backroads of Appalachia Lcpl Joe C. Paul Heroes, miners, and Shiners Ride 2024. Embark on this journey honoring the memory of Medal of Honor recipient Joe C. Paul and help raise money for a memorial to be placed in his hometown. Participants explore many southeastern trails throughout the day. Feel free to hang out for the whole day or jump in for a group segment in Harlan County.
