The Fourth of July is a time traditionally spent celebrating America's Independence with cookouts, fireworks, parades and concerts. Here's what we know about celebrations happening across the Louisville area.
Where can I see fireworks around Louisville?
Below is a look at what's happening around the area this week.
Happy 4th of July!Here's where to see fireworks, celebrate in Louisville
What's open and closed on July 4, Independence Day?
Many offices and businesses will be closed Thursday in observance of Independence Day.
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All federal offices will be closed, from the legislature to the courthouse. State offices also will be closed, including Marion County courts. Doors will be shut at most county and city offices as well. The United States Postal Service will be closed, and mail will not be delivered on July 4.
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Cookouts in Indiana for Fourth of July will cost less in 2024
While grocery prices to throw a July 4 cookout will be record-high for much of the country, the price for Hoosiers will be easier on the wallet.
The average Independence Day cookout for 10 guests nationally will cost $71.22. according to the 2024 American Farm Bureau Federation annual market place survey. That’s up 5% from 2023, and almost 30% from five years ago, for a spread of cheeseburgers, chicken breasts, pork chops, homemade potato salad, strawberries and ice cream.
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What are the laws for fireworks in Kentucky?
It isn't legal to purchase fireworks in Louisville or Jefferson County, according to the Louisville-Jefferson County Code of Ordinances. However, they can be purchased in Oldham and Bullitt Counties by those over 18, pretty close to Louisville.
According to the Kentucky State Fire Marshal, fireworks are allowed in the state when following laws as listed below.
- Use fireworks outdoors.
- Obey local laws.
- Keep a bucket of water or a working water hose nearby.
- Use fireworks as intended and avoid altering them or combining them.
- Never relight "dud" fireworks. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
- Spectators should keep a safe distance from the person lighting the firework (the individual lighting it should wear safety glasses).
- Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Have a "designated adult operator."
- Do not use homemade fireworks or illegal explosives.
- Report illegal explosives to the fire or police department in your community.
- Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks.
- Read and follow all instructions on the label.
Firework laws:What to know about fireworks in Louisville and Jefferson County
What fireworks are illegal in Louisville?
Explosive fireworks and ones that leave the ground are illegal.
According to the Louisville-Jefferson County Code of Ordinances, illegal fireworks include those with warnings and labels like "explosive," "emits flaming pellets," "flaming balls," "firecracker," "report" or "rocket" on them. These include Roman candles, bottle rockets and aerial spinners.
How many people go to the hospital because of fireworks?
Fireworks are beautiful to watch, but can be deadly if misused.
More than 10,000 people were treated for firework-related injuries in hospital emergency rooms across the country in 2022, in which 11 people died, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Roughly 73% of those injuries occurred during the one month surrounding the Fourth of July Holiday.
Children aged 5-9 were estimated to be the second most likely to go to the emergency room, according to earlier data by the CPSC. Burn wounds to hands and fingers were the most common type of injury treated overall.
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How to stay safe around fireworks
Fireworks are fun. Spending time in the emergency room? Not so much. Thousands are injured by fireworks every year leading up to July 4th. Here's what you should keep in mind when using them.
Children and fireworks:
- Don't allow children to light or play with fireworks.
- Parents should always supervise children when handling sparklers, which can burn up to 1,800 degrees or hotter.
Watching fireworks:
- Watch fireworks from a safe distance away from the launch area. Fireworks can backfire or shoot off in the wrong direction.
Storing fireworks:
- Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Shooting off fireworks:
- Only use fireworks outside.
- Use fireworks in an open area.
- In case of wind, light fireworks where the wind is blowing away from spectators.
- Only light one firework at a time.
- Never smoke or consume alcohol when lighting fireworks.
- Never place a part of your body directly over a firework or hold a firework in your hand when lighting.
- Don't aim, point or throw fireworks at another person.
- For ground-based devices such as fountains, according to Homeland Security, the perimeter should be 35 feet out.
- For aerial devices, it should be 150 feet. Fireworks that don't go off when you light them can still explode.
- Never attempt to re-light or fix a “dud” firework. Let duds sit for five or 10 minutes before you pick them up to dowse them in water.
Extinguishing fireworks:
- Always have a fire extinguisher or water supply, such as a hose or bucket of water, nearby.
- After a firework has finished burning, douse it with plenty of water before throwing it away to prevent starting a trash fire.
Special considerations:
- Be considerate of those with PTSD and other medical conditions. Firework noise can cause extreme stress and reaction in neighbors.
- Be considerate of you and your neighbors pets. Animals have sensitive ears. Firework sounds can frighten or stress animals.
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Dogs and fireworks: How to keep your pet calm July 4th
Most dogs do not handle fireworks well, so helping your canine companion get through Independence Day, say animal experts, should start early. It's recommended pet owners talk to a veterinarian and come up with a plan.
In addition to veterinarian-approved medication, experts suggest setting up a quiet space inside your home buffered as much as possible from outside noise. You can make that space feel safe and comfortable by adding the following things:
- Favorite toys.
- Familiar blankets.
- Chew bones.
- Soft music.
- Special treats.
- TV playing comfortable background noise (preferably not showing fireworks)
LOUD NOISES!!:You can make July 4 fireworks less scary for dogs. Here's what experts say to do now
IndyStar reporters Kayla Dwyer, Domenica Bongiovanni and Cheryl Jackson assisted with this article. Contributions also were made by Midwest Connect reporter Chris Sims and IndyStar intern Alex Haddon.
John Tufts covers trending news for IndyStar and Midwest Connect. Send him a news tip at JTufts@Gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at JTuftsReports.
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