Musical lineup taking shape for community July 4 event

The entertainment lineup for Gateway 250 is taking shape.

Judge-Executive Chris Haddix announced the current lineup for the July 4 event at a meeting of the committee organizing the event last week.

Commitments include Billie Renee and Cumberland Gap, 75 Split, Young at Heart Big Band, Nero's Fiddle, Dead Air Dennis and the Bryan Himes Experience.

The committee also discussed the security plan and parking for the event.

The event is being held at Cunningham Field on the Montgomery County High School. Gates open at 4:30 p.m. with the fireworks show at dusk.

Overflow parking will be available at First Baptist Church, First Church of God, the Clay Community Center and McNabb Middle School.

More sites may be added, organizers said.

People will be shuttled from the overflow parking areas to the event venue. The committee is exploring transportation options to get people from overflow to the site.

Superintendent Matt Thompson suggested obtaining temporary lighting along Woodford Drive for after the event.

In addition to the fireworks show, there will be speakers, historical displays, videos with veterans, a children's area, music and more.

A historical display will be set up in the lobby and second floor of the Arena.

Commemorative coins and T-shirts will be sold. The committee is also looking for vendors willing to provide food at the event.

Haddix said volunteers are needed to handle parking and other duties at the event. Anyone interested is urged to call the judge-executive's office at 859-498-8707.

Veterans or families of veterans are also needed to carry a large flag that will be displayed at the event. Anyone interested is asked to call Tim Welch with American Legion Post 22 at 859-398-3744.

The committee is expected to discuss signage, details of the shuttle from overflow parking and mapping of the event at the next meeting 1 p.m. Friday, June 5, at the Clay Community Center.