Published: June 26, 2008 09:55 am         

Covington plans a festive Fourth

COVINGTON, Ind. — Many communities feature a Fourth of July celebration, but Covington makes it a seven–day affair.

Activities will begin Saturday at the city park on Covington’s north side and conclude with the fireworks display on July 4,

“We normally go six days, but this year we are going seven days,” said Gene “Lennie” Smail, chairman of the Covington Celebration Committee, a volunteer committee planning the 48th annual event.

“All the events are free,” Smail said. “There is no charge to get into the park. We draw the crowds. You could come all week and not spend a dime.”

The event kicks off Saturday night with the queen contest.

With the additional day this year, two nights of gospel music are planned.

The parade will line up at Covington High School at 2 p.m. EDT July 4. The parade will leave the school at 3 p.m. and go downtown and then back to the park.

The fireworks draws a large crowd.

“We have a great fireworks display,” Smail said.

Jessup Amusements of Cambridge City will again provide carnival rides.

Mayor Brad Crain said the Fourth of July celebration is an asset to Covington.

“I would like to invite everybody to come to the Fourth of July celebration in Covington,” he said. “They will enjoy the nightly entertainment in the park.”

4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION

SATURDAY

(All times Eastern Daylight Time)

All activities at the park:

6-10 p.m. — Midway Bracelet Night, all you can ride for $15.

6 p.m. — Opening ceremonies featuring a salute to veterans.

7 p.m. — Miss Sparkler contest.

8 p.m. — Miss Firecracker contest.

9 p.m. — Queen contest.

SUNDAY

Noon-1:30 p.m. — Registration for baby contest, ages up to 5 years old.

12:45 p.m. — Kiddie Pedal Tractor Pull.

2 p.m. — Baby contest.

5:30-7 p.m. — Community church services.

6-10 p.m. — Midway Bracelet Night, all you can ride for $15.

7-10 p.m. — Annual gospel concert.

MONDAY

6-10 p.m. — Midway Bracelet Night, all you can ride for $15.

6:30-10 p.m. — Local singers entertain.

TUESDAY

6-10 p.m. — Midway Bracelet Night, all you can ride for $15.

6:30-7:30 p.m. — Katie Krout entertains.

7:30-10 p.m. — Leadsmen Band.

WEDNESDAY

6-10 p.m. — Midway Bracelet Night, all you can ride for $15.

6:30-10 p.m. — Highway 341 band.

THURSDAY, July 3

6-10 p.m. — Midway Bracelet Night, all you can ride for $15.

6:30-10 p.m. — Annual gospel concert.

FRIDAY, July 4

2 p.m. — Parade lineup at Covington High School.

3 p.m. — Parade moves along 5th Street, turns west on Liberty Street, turns north onto 4th Street and into the park.

4-4:30 p.m. — Covington High School dance team.

4:30-6 p.m. — Wabash Valley Band.

6-7 p.m. — Jimmy Bussell sings.

7:15-9:50 p.m. — Fonda Capps and County Line Band.

10 p.m. — Fireworks.