Just as the Recreation Park Board completed one of the most major projects undertaken since its formation several years ago, that being seeing the completion of a brand new $74,000 playground being placed at the park, another major annual project is quickly on the horizon, that being the annual July 4th fireworks celebration, which for the third year in a row, will be hosted at Mountain View Park on Saturday, July 4.

The new playground equipment, which had literally been in the works for the past two plus years, was formally finalized this past Saturday, May 30 with a ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by the park board and the primary funding source of the playground equipment, the Healthy Hometown Coalition, which obtained a grant through the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky late last year.

The ribbon cutting took place Saturday morning, with Park Director Bobby Reneau–with some help from local kids–doing the honors of cutting the ribbon.

The program for the event included an opening prayer, a welcome and thanks from April Speck, HHC Coordinator, recognition of park board members, organizations, groups and individuals and quite fittingly, the many volunteers who had worked tirelessly two weeks prior to actually put together and install the playground equipment.

Local elected officials were also recognized and those who volunteered work to put the playground up were presented a gift. Along with the traditional National Anthem being performed, those on hand heard music from the CCHS Alumni Band and free food was provided to everyone at the park during the ceremonies.

The plans for this past Saturday’s events was unveiled to park board members at the regular monthly meeting last Thursday, May 28.

The other major item that was discussed at the meeting were putting together initial ideas and early planning for the annual 4th of July fireworks show, which is sponsored primarily by the Chamber of Commerce, along with the park board, city and county.

Rick Mercader was at the meeting on behalf of the chamber and informed board members that basically, “The chamber wants to get out of the fireworks show business in the future.” He did add the chamber would continue to help raise funds to put on the show, but not do the hands on type work.

Mercader also noted the cost of this year’s fireworks display will be $5,000, which is less than the $8,500 spent last year.

The board then proceeded to discuss some of the programs and times of events they plan to have at the park on Saturday, July 4, with those activities for all ages beginning in the afternoon hours and continuing into the early evening, leading up to the fireworks show, that will begin at promptly 9 p.m.

The car show will return to the park, with vehicles to be on display starting at 3 p.m. with judging around 6 p.m. Also returning will be gospel music in the late afternoon/early evening hours and the popular inflatables will be set up for the kids, who can purchase an armband at one price and use them all through the afternoon and early evening hours.

There will also be vendors set up, including food booths and non-profit organization groups, which can set up for $100 per space.

The Clinton County High School Alumni Band will also perform. Additional events and/or performances may also be included as plans progress.

More details, including specific times, etc. will be announced in the coming weeks.

The next regular meeting of the Recreation Park Board is scheduled for Thursday, June 25 at 6 p.m. at the park and is open to the public.