By Mary Garrison
Tribune-Courier Features Editor
mgarrison@tribunecourier.com

MARSHALL COUNTY – Celebrating July 4 is a deeply-rooted tradition in Marshall County, and locals from one end of the county to the other are preparing for the big day.

In Calvert City, AmeriBration festivities are already underway. Last week, the Git Fit 5K run brought out approximately 150 participants, and the children’s run and Miss AmeriBration pageants were highly successful.

However, the best is yet to come. On Saturday, July 4, the whole town gets ready to throw down. Beginning that morning at 10 a.m. the city will hold its youth talent show.

Calvert Area Development Association member and AmeriBration coordinator Larry Krouse said Memorial Park will also host a day-long arts and crafts festival.

“Most of the vendors and things will get started around 10 a.m.,” Krouse said. “The fire department is going to bring out the pumps every hour on the hour for the kids splash, too.”

The park will host live music, as well. At 3 p.m. the Craig Russell Band will perform, followed by Sidewinder at 6 p.m.

“The Shriner’s are going to have the train to serve as a shuttle throughout the day,” Krouse said.

The fun will continue with the youth parade on 5th Avenue beginning at 5 p.m.

The full parade begins at 7 p.m., and Krouse said the traditional free watermelon will be available in the park following the parade.

The city’s fireworks display is set to begin at approximately 9 p.m., under full darkness.

However, AmeriBration isn’t the only festival gearing up for July 4 in the county. Kentucky Lake Subdivision off of Barge Island Road is preparing for a celebration all its own.

“It’s a big deal around here,” said Ina Horton, resident of Kentucky Lake Subdivision. “We have all kinds of games and activities, and we have our own parade.”

Horton said residents decorate their golf carts in true American pride to kick off the day. The one-mile circle parade route runs through the subdivision.

“Everything with a wheel on it will be decorated,” said Horton’s husband Clint. “The sheriff or a representative of his office comes out to lead the parade. We have a pretty neat little gathering for a small community.”

The parade, now in its 13th year, is set to begin at 10 a.m. July 4 and will be followed by activities such as a community egg toss and water balloon fight.

The community will also host a youth basketball competition and homemade ice-cream social.

“It all started with just one family’s celebration for their children and grandchildren,” Clint said. “And it’s just gotten bigger and better each year.”