A full afternoon and evening of entertainment will precede the region’s premier fireworks display as Citizens Bank hosts its 18th consecutive “Celebrate America” event on Saturday, the Fourth of July, in Riverside Park in Batesville.
“Citizens Bank is proud to provide families a great place to gather on the banks of the White River to observe Independence Day with fun, fellowship and entertainment,” said Phil Baldwin, Bank President and Chief Executive Officer. “We are thankful for the continued support of our major sponsors: WRD Entertainment and Batesville Daily Guard.”
Everyday Life, an energetic and popular band that has delighted local crowds in the past, will be back to top this year’s show with a concert that begins at 7 p.m. The day-long celebration also includes food and craft vendors, bounce houses and other children’s activities, such as face-painting and balloon animals. Live performances will also feature the North Arkansas Dance Theatre and a demonstration by the Treasure Island Gymnastics and Martial Arts Academy.
The evening will conclude with the fireworks extravaganza at about 9:15 p.m. Again this year, the “Celebrate America” fireworks will ignite nearly overhead from the detonation zone in Kennedy Park, which is located directly across the river from Riverside Park.
“We are ready to welcome thousands of people from across the region who will enjoy a full day of entertainment, activities, and fireworks in Batesville,” Baldwin said. “We also appreciate the participation of our many returning and new co-sponsors, including Batesville Poultry, City of Batesville, Cup’d Up Outdoors, Dowell Transport, Flowers Baking Co., FutureFuel, Lyon College, UACCB, White River Health System, Amy Beth Anderson, Al Crouch and Bud Shreve, Intimidator Inc., and U.S. Pizza.”
The parking lot for Kennedy Park will be closed all day on Saturday, July 4. Access to the sandbar will be allowed until approximately 8 p.m. A parking area will be provided for trucks with boat trailers, and a shuttle will transport boaters to and from the parking area. Two boat ramps will be available. However, one of these ramps will close around 8 p.m.
