Independence Day Celebrations Underway in Indianapolis

Downtown Indy's Fourth Fest returns for its third year, bringing fireworks, food, live music, and family fun to the heart of the Circle City. The festivities will kick off at 6 p.m. on Friday at the American Legion Mall.The highlight of the evening is a street party with food trucks, ice cream stands, and a special Kids Zone. The fireworks display is scheduled to begin at 10:15 p.m. from the top of the 500 North Meridian Building."This year, we hope that when they come early and stay late, they are also able to invest in small businesses, whether those here or in surrounding areas," said Taylor Schaffer, president and CEO of Downtown Indy, Inc.The Downtown Fourth Fest will feature about 13 different food and drink vendors. St. Clair Street will be closed from 5-11 p.m. to accommodate the event."We are also thrilled to return with our free Kids Zone full of family-friendly activations including rock climbing, inflatables, and more," Schaffer said.Safety remains a top priority, with local authorities ensuring a robust police presence to help control juvenile activity."Parents and guardians, downtown is not a place to simply drop off your children. IMPD is not a substitute for parental supervision. Know where your kids are, who they are with, and what they are doing," said Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Deputy Chief of Operations Tanya Terry.Terry also reminded gun owners that it is illegal to shoot guns into the air, emphasizing, "What goes up must come down. Don't do it."Event organizers suggest setting up blankets and chairs on the Memorial Grounds and American Legion Mall for the best view of the fireworks. With over 73,000 parking spots available, attendees can easily find a spot."You can view the fireworks show from the north, west, and east, for at least a mile. So, find a good location and enjoy the show. It's a great show. This is something we're very proud to put on for years," said Michael Beard, Division Chief and Fire Marshal at IFD.With a combination of entertainment, safety measures, and community involvement, Downtown Indy's Fourth Fest promises a memorable celebration for attendees while supporting local businesses.