David W. Smith/Daily NewsFireworks are displayed during last year’s second annual Star Spangled Spectacular at Western Kentucky University.

The hills of southcentral Kentucky will be filled with the sights and sounds of fireworks with upcoming Fourth of July celebrations.

Fireworks displays will kick off with the 37th annual Thunderfest on July 3 at the National Corvette Museum Amphitheater. In case of rain, the display will be July 5. Gates open at 4 p.m. followed by 4:30 p.m. activities – including tethered balloon rides and children’s activities, such as inflatables and vehicle displays from the National Guard, Bowling Green Police Department and Bowling Green Fire Department. Musical performers include Skip Bond and the Fugitives, the Farewell Drifters and Lead-Based Paint. The fireworks show will be at 9:15 p.m. Admission is $5 per person or $15 per carload. Proceeds benefit various local children’s organizations. The event is presented by National City Bank and sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Bowling Green.

Kiwanis member and Thunderfest chairman Brad Golden said the event usually draws about 15,000 people.

“It’s one of the best fireworks displays in this part of the state. We’re really proud of the fireworks display we have,” he said. “We appreciate the Corvette Museum letting us use their facility. It’s a such a great place to have it.”

Golden said Thunderfest’s longevity lies in the dedication of the Kiwanis Club and the response of the community.

“It’s a great patriotic event,” he said. “It’s all about family, freedom and having fun.”

The Bowling Green Chamber Orchestra will have its annual Star Spangled Spectacular and fireworks display on July 4 near Western Kentucky University’s Guthrie Tower.

Participants can bring blankets, food and drinks for picnicking, beginning at 6 p.m. The concert will be at 8 p.m. followed by a 20 to 25 minute fireworks display. Tables will be available at the front of the stage. For more information, call the orchestra office at 846-2426.

“We’re doing patriotic music. People can bring out blankets and have a celebration under the stars,” BGCO marketing director Heather Higgins said. “It’s going to be an amazing fireworks display.”

The concert – which drew about 15,000 last year – will feature familiar tunes, including “Yankee Doodle” and “God Bless the U.S.A.” Guest soloist Jennifer Brennan-Hondorp will perform “America the Beautiful,” “God Bless America” and “American Anthem,” which was featured in the PBS special “The War.” In honor of President Lincoln’s bicentennial, which will be next year, the orchestra will dedicate a part of the concert to a medley of music from the Civil War. The orchestra will debut music by two Kentucky composers – Northern Kentucky University director of Bands Brant Karrick and BGCO composer in residence Charles Smith – and perform the “1812 Overture” and sousa marches during the fireworks display.

The concert will honor those who have served in the military, those who have families who are serving and people who have died during service, said BGCO music director and conductor Jeff Reed.

“We’re making the focus of the event celebrating America’s anniversary,” he said. “It’s one big flag-waving celebration.”

The orchestra will honor people who have helped the group with awards. House Speaker Jody Richards, D-Bowling Green, will receive the Orpheus Award, which is given to a person who has shown exemplary support to the orchestra. Linda Chambers, who has served as head usher and president of BGCO volunteer group The Encore, will receive the Conductor’s Award for outstanding volunteer. Former “Gong Show” host Chuck Barris, who has emceed BGCO concerts, will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award in Arts and Humanities for what he’s accomplished in his lifetime and what he’s done for the orchestra, Reed said.

Concert sponsors include Trace Die Cast, Bowling Green Technical College, Carol and Denny Wedge, J.C. Kirby and Son Funeral Chapels, G.H. Tool and Molb, Sarah and Harvey Johnston, Hilliard Lyons and Warren Rural Electric.

Other fireworks displays around the region include the following:

• A fireworks display will be at twilight July 4 during Morgantown’s 28th annual Green River Catfish Festival at Morgantown City Park.

• Happy Birthday USA Weekend will begin at 3 p.m. July 3 at Jellystone Park in Cave City. The weekend will include family contests, outdoor movies, karaoke, bonfires, watermelon-eating contests and a fireworks show. For more information, call the park office at (800) 523-1854.

• Fireworks in the Park will be at 4:30 p.m. July 3 at Jim Roberts Community Park in Franklin. Sponsored by the Simpson County Vietnam Veterans, the event will include music by Blue Highway at 6 p.m., concessions, inflatables and fireworks at dusk. Cost is $15 per carload. In case of rain, the fireworks will be July 6. For more information, call (270) 586-8999.

• The Mammoth Cave National Park Association, Mammoth Cave National Park and the Mammoth Cave Hotel will present “Coming to the 4th” – an event of music, story telling and picnicking July 4 at the park.

A formal program will begin at 1 p.m. in the park amphitheater. Kentucky author and folklorist Lynwood Montell will speak on how family stories bind generations together. The Oak Forest Boys, Bluegrass Express and Crabgrass Conspiracy will perform gospel and bluegrass music. The hotel’s Rotunda Room will be open for Family History from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Land maps, purchase records and cemetery records will be available. Participants are encouraged to bring photos and mementos from the area and share family stories. Park staff will be available to record them as oral histories.

Picnic shelters have been reserved for families who bring their lunch. Box lunches are available for purchase through the hotel. Deadline to order is 5 p.m. July 3. The hotel will also serve a picnic-style buffet in honor of July 4. For more information, call (270) 758-2225.