MOUNT VERNON — Raise the colors, gather your fellow patriots, and make haste to downtown Mount Vernon for the July First Friday.
Party Like It’s 1776, a patriotic community celebration, will take place on Friday, July 3, from 6 to 9 p.m.
This free, family-friendly event will transform downtown into a celebration of community spirit. It features live music, activities, reenactments, food trucks, and more than 95 exhibitors and vendors.
Fat Tuesday is featured on the main stage on Public Square, along with a special appearance by the Mount Vernon Community Band. The Community Spotlight will feature the Mount Vernon Music & Arts Festival, showcasing one of the community’s signature events and previewing the programming planned for the August festival.
Families and young patriots won’t want to miss the Activity Zone on South Main Street. Activities include a bounce house, face painting, make-and-take friendship bracelets, and more.
The ever-popular Touch-A-Truck will return with vehicles and equipment from United Aggregates, the Mount Vernon Police Department, and the Mount Vernon Fire Department. Families can get an up-close look at some of the vehicles that help keep the community moving and safe.
Guests may encounter living history throughout downtown from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. as reenactors from MadCap Living History portraying George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, and Eliza Hamilton appear as interactive “living statues” scattered throughout the event. Attendees are encouraged to seek out these figures from America’s founding era, snap a photo, and experience a glimpse into the personalities who helped shape the nation’s history.
Visitors can also test their aim at the interactive archery trailer provided by the Knox County Fish & Game Association or strike a patriotic pose at the photo booth on Public Square.
Food trucks will be stationed throughout the event, serving a variety of crowd favorites and summertime treats.
Passport program encourages participants to explore activities
July First Friday marks the second month of the First Friday Passport program. Designed primarily for kids ages 12 and under, the Passport encourages participants to explore activities throughout First Friday and collect monthly stamps.
Bring your passport back from June First Friday to earn your July stamp, or pick up a Passport at the Experience Mount Vernon info table on Public Square.
Participants who complete the activities and earn their July stamp will be entered into the drawing for the Splash Into Summer Prize Pack, featuring reusable water balloons, floaties, sunglasses, Hiawatha day passes courtesy of the City of Mount Vernon, and more. Participants who collect stamps throughout the season will also be entered into the drawing for the First Friday Grand Prize.
All First Friday events and activities are free and open to the public.
Event logistics
Street closures for parked vehicles begin at 2 p.m., with full road access to all traffic beginning at 3 p.m., including:
- Main Street between Chestnut Street and Ohio Avenue
- Public Square
- High Street between Gay and Mulberry streets
- Vine Street between South Gay and South Mulberry streets
- Gambier Street between South Gay and South Mulberry streets
To accommodate expanded activity areas, food trucks, vendors, and safe pedestrian access throughout the event, a cruise-in will not be included at the July First Friday.
Guests are encouraged to ride to the event and use the free bicycle valet on West Vine Street. Cyclists can enjoy secure, complimentary bike parking while exploring First Friday, making it easy to roll into downtown and join the fun.
Whether celebrating with family, enjoying live music, exploring local vendors, competing for Passport prizes, or simply enjoying a summer evening downtown, July First Friday will offer a star-spangled evening of fun for all ages.
Experience Mount Vernon invites residents and visitors to gather in the heart of Mount Vernon, support local businesses, and celebrate 250 years of independence.
Knox Community Hospital proudly supports the vibrant pulse of our community by sponsoring the Life & Culture section on Knox Pages, celebrating the stories and experiences that make our region unique.