WMVO Good Times Great Oldies
Downtown Mount Vernon will celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with a patriotic twist as July First Friday: Party Like It’s 1776 returns on Friday, July 3, from 6 to 9 p.m.
Presented by Lanning’s Foods, the free community event will transform downtown into a family-friendly celebration featuring live music, historical reenactments, children’s activities, food trucks and more than 95 vendors and exhibitors.
The evening’s entertainment will include live performances by Fat Tuesday on the Lanning’s Foods Main Stage at Public Square and a special appearance by the Mount Vernon Community Band. The Community Spotlight, sponsored by United Aggregates, will feature the Mount Vernon Music & Arts Festival, offering visitors a preview of this August’s festival.
Families will find plenty to do throughout downtown. The Activity Zone on South Main Street, sponsored by Chevrolet GMC of Mount Vernon, will feature a bounce house, free face painting, friendship bracelet making and other children’s activities. The popular Touch-A-Truck display also returns, giving children an opportunity to explore vehicles from the Mount Vernon Police Department, Mount Vernon Fire Department and United Aggregates.
History will come to life from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. as performers from MadCap Living History portray George Washington, Alexander Hamilton and Eliza Hamilton as interactive “living statues” stationed throughout downtown. Visitors are encouraged to meet the historical figures, take photos and learn more about the nation’s founding.
Additional attractions include an interactive archery trailer provided by the Knox County Fish & Game Association, a patriotic photo booth sponsored by Knox Community Hospital, and food trucks serving a variety of festival favorites.
The event also marks the second month of Experience Mount Vernon’s First Friday Passport Program, designed primarily for children ages 12 and younger. Participants can collect monthly stamps by completing activities throughout the event for a chance to win prizes, including a Splash Into Summer Prize Pack and the season-ending First Friday Grand Prize.
To accommodate the festivities, downtown street closures will begin during the afternoon, with Main Street between Chestnut Street and Ohio Avenue, Public Square, portions of High Street, Vine Street and Gambier Street closing to traffic beginning at 3 p.m. Organizers note there will not be a cruise-in during July’s First Friday to allow additional space for vendors, activities and pedestrian traffic.
Visitors are encouraged to ride their bicycles and take advantage of the free bicycle valet on West Vine Street, hosted by Get Healthy Knox County.
Experience Mount Vernon says the celebration is designed to bring the community together while supporting local businesses and commemorating America’s 250th anniversary. More information, event updates and a complete schedule are available through Experience Mount Vernon’s social media channels.
