In this Issue
Happy 4th of July, District 7!
As we gather with family and friends to celebrate Independence Day, I want to wish each of you a joyful, safe, and reflective holiday weekend.
On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, proclaiming our nation’s right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. This day marks more than fireworks and festivities — it reminds us of the courage it took to stand up for freedom and of the ongoing responsibility we share to uphold justice and equality for all people.
As President John Adams once said, “Prosterity! You will never know how much it has cost the present generation to preserve your freedom! I hope you will make a good use of it.” These words challenge us to celebrate not just with parades and picnics, but with a renewed commitment to the ideals of liberty and justice enshrined in our founding documents.
I invite you to read the full edition of this eNewsletter for fun and helpful information on events happening around Louisville this holiday weekend and beyond. From concerts to fireworks displays, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy our community safely and responsibly.
As a reminder, our offices will be closed on Friday, July 4, in observance of the holiday. We will reopen and resume normal business hours on Monday, July 7.
Enjoy a wonderful Independence Day, and let’s continue to work together to make our country and our district a place where freedom truly rings for everyone.
Warm regards,
Councilwoman McCraney
We hope you enjoy this special edition of your District 7 newsletter. We proudly present it as your one-stop guide for all things fun, festive, and fireworks-filled this Independence Day and beyond! Whether you’re planning to catch a dazzling show on the Waterfront, cheer on your neighborhood parade, or just soak up the sun with family and friends, we’ve got you covered.
Let's make this a safe and joyful holiday!
The next Metro Council meeting is Thursday, July 31, at 6:00 p.m.
To watch the Council meeting and access the agenda and related attachments, click HERE.
To see all meetings on Facebook Live, go to the Metro Council Facebook page by clicking here. To watch Metro Council Meetings live on YouTube, you can visit the LouisvilleMetroTV channel by clicking here,
The public can also view all council and committee meetings on Metro TV, Spectrum Cable Channel 184, or on UVERSE at Channel 99. Proceedings are live-streamed from the Metro Council Clerk’s Archived Media page here.
For additional information or questions, you can reach the Metro Council Clerk’s Office at (502) 574-3902.
St. Matthews Fire Marshal Shares Tips for a Safe Fourth of July
As we gear up to celebrate America’s birthday with all the pops, bangs, and bursts of color, Fire Marshal Stephen DunLany of the St. Matthews Fire Department has a simple reminder for District 7 residents: safety first.
“If you plan to light fireworks at home, make sure you’re buying only what’s legal under Kentucky state law and our Metro ordinances,” DunLany says. That means fireworks that stay on the ground. While stands across the river in Indiana might sell bigger, flashier ones, projectiles that shoot into the air are off-limits for non-professional use in Jefferson County.
Here are DunLany’s top Fourth of July safety tips:
- Buy only fireworks that are legal in Kentucky and Jefferson County, no aerial projectiles for home use.
- Keep a bucket of water or hose nearby in case of an accident.
- After use, let fireworks cool for 30 to 40 minutes, then soak them in water before disposing of them.
- Never try to relight a ‘dud’ firework, leave it alone to avoid burns or injuries.
- Protect pets by keeping them inside, somewhere quiet and calm.
- Always shoot fireworks at least 50 to 100 feet away from people and animals.
His biggest piece of advice? “Stay safe and let the professionals handle the big shows.”
From the St. Matthews Fire Department to your family, have a safe and joyful Fourth of July, District 7!
🍓 Red, White, and Blueberry Dessert
This crowd-pleaser is guaranteed to set off fireworks at your Fourth of July party! Juicy strawberries and blueberries get folded into colorful gelatin, layered with fluffy cream cheese whipped cream and slices of buttery pound cake. It’s no-bake, easy to make ahead, and slices into picture-perfect patriotic stripes. Think strawberry shortcake meets nostalgic Jell-O salad, summer on a plate!
Get the full recipe plus 50 more nostalgic Fourth of July ideas from The Pioneer Woman: See all the recipes here!
Calling all burger fanatics and people that appreciate a good hearty meal—Louisville Burger Week is back. From local fan favorites to burgers created just for the special week, guests can enjoy discounted $7-$8 gourmet burgers from dozens of restaurants around the city. Use the Louisville Burger Week app to check in at 4 or more locations and be eligible for a very special grand prize drawing, along with the top point winner, and much more.
Hit the Ground Running This Fourth of July!
Mark your calendars for 8 AM on July 4, the St. Matthews Independence Day 5K is back and ready to kick off your holiday in style! This beloved community race features a closed course through St. Matthews neighborhoods, chip timing, tech shirts, free race photos, post-race food, vendor booths, and plenty of door prizes and awards. Walkers are welcome, and there’s even a virtual option.
Registration details can be found at rivercityraces.com. Spots have sold out the last two years, so sign up early to secure yours.
Proceeds benefit local programs through Love 40207 and St. Matthews Area Ministries; come celebrate Independence Day while giving back to the community we love!
Louisville has celebrated Independence Day along the riverfront for over three decades; a beloved tradition that began with fireworks launched from river barges and crowds gathering on River Road and the Belvedere. Today, Waterfront Park’s Great Lawn keeps that legacy alive, bigger and brighter than ever.
Join the fun on Friday, July 4 from 5 to 10 PM at the Big Four Lawn for an evening of music, local talent, family activities, and fireworks at the Waterfront’s Most Talented! showcase sponsored by Ford. Enjoy over 25 incredible local acts, food trucks, bounce houses, a foam party, and the grand finale fireworks show over the Ohio River.
Bring your lawn chairs, friends, and family, and be part of a tradition that unites our city in freedom and community under the stars.
Visit waterfrontpark.org for full event details.
Home Rule City Celebrations Near District 7
Join the St. Matthews Neighborhood Parade!
Celebrate Independence Day with the annual Neighborhood Parade on July 4 at 11 AM, rolling between Gloucester and Plymouth Road. Bring the whole family out to enjoy festive floats, local spirit, and plenty of family-friendly fun!
Beechwood Village 4th of July Parade 10:30 AM | Corner of Blenheim & Biltmore Kids, pets, wagons, and bikes are all welcome. Parade ends at Beechwood Baptist Church with free ice cream and prizes!
Northfield Independence Day Parade 10:00 AM | Friday, July 4 A kid-focused tradition with a city police escort for safety. All are welcome to join the fun!
Graymoor-Devondale 4th of July Parade Friday, July 4 | Starts at St. Albert the Great Parking Lot Join neighbors for a classic parade celebrating community, freedom, and summer fun.
(Event details courtesy of Louisville Tourism)
Get ready to light up the holiday! Louisville is bringing the energy this Independence Day.
Here’s another round of red, white, and BOOM community events:
July 3
Louisville Bats Game + Fireworks Slugger Field Catch the Louisville Bats as they take on the Indianapolis Indians, then stick around for a post-game fireworks show lighting up downtown.
Bluegrass & Booms at Kentucky Kingdom July 3–5 Enjoy a weekend of thrills and twang at Kentucky Kingdom, with live music by Kentucky Blue and a 15-minute choreographed fireworks finale each night around 10 PM.
A Wild Night of Music at the Louisville Zoo
Get ready for an unforgettable night under the stars! The Louisville Zoo and Louisville Orchestra are teaming up once again to bring back ROARchestra, one of the city’s most unique and beloved summer traditions.
Following last year’s sold-out show, ROARchestra returns bigger than ever with two spectacular performances: Saturday, July 5 and Saturday, July 19.
July 5: The Spirit of America with Teddy Abrams Kick off your Independence Day weekend with an electrifying celebration of American music, culture, and pride. Conductor Teddy Abrams takes the stage with a powerful lineup featuring Copland’s El Salón México, Carlos Simon’s The Block, a moving tribute to Black American life and unforgettable movie favorites from Jurassic Park and Star Wars. The evening closes with fireworks of its own: Tchaikovsky’s thunderous 1812 Overture.
Bring your lawn chairs, grab a snack, and enjoy a one-of-a-kind musical adventure surrounded by the wild sights and sounds of the Zoo at twilight.
Puttshack is an upscale mini golf bar and restaurant right here in District 7. Located at 7900 Shelbyville Road, it’s the perfect spot for a fun night out with friends, a unique date, or family-friendly competition all with great food and drinks. Swing by and see what all the buzz is about!
Date: Saturday, July 12
Time: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Cost: Free
Join the fun at Westport Village in Graymoor-Devondale for The Summer Edit, a seasonal celebration featuring shopping, music, and family-friendly vibes. It’s the perfect way to spend a summer afternoon!
To celebrate National Park and Recreation Month, Louisville Parks and Recreation will be hosting its annual Art in the Park event at Central Park in collaboration with Kentucky Shakespeare. On July 17, from 6-8 p.m., you can find free arts and craft activities along with community booths. Kentucky Shakespeare will start their performance of Cymbeline on the amphitheater stage starting at 8 p.m. You can find more information about Art in the Park at this link.
Wander Through A Land Before Time
May 17 – September 1, 2025
This spring, travel back 65 to 200 million years in time to meet iconic prehistoric animals! Encounter 23 roaring, breathing giants from the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. Enjoy the world’s tallest, life-sized robotic dinosaurs — ranging from 5-foot-long baby triceratops to a 40-foot-long tyrannosaurus rex. Hurtle back in time and follow the spectacular path of prehistory to encounter scenes of ancient giants battling, scavenging and caring for young — from the earliest primitive dinosaurs to a huge 35-foot-tall brachiosaur.
Dinopalooza is included with Zoo admission and free for Zoo members.
The Zoo is open daily year-round. Now through September 21, 2025, Zoo hours are 10 a.m. ─ 5 p.m. (stay until 6 p.m.). The Zoo is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Visit louisvillezoo.org for more info.
Click here to learn more.
A bold, regional campaign to help kids fall in love with the outdoors! This interactive guide is packed with fun, screen-free activities designed to get kids moving, laughing, and connecting with nature—and each other.
Download the guide here: ymcalouisville.org/programs/community
Take a close look at the picture and see if you can spot all 15 differences! Grab a friend or make it a family game. Bragging rights go to whoever finds them first.
Happy hunting!
(By the way, Councilwoman McCraney claims she found 16 differences.)
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