CLAY COUNTY — A new tradition is taking shape this Independence Day as Clay County prepares to host its first-ever countywide Fourth of July celebration on Elk Mountain.
The Thunder on the Mountain event will commemorate the 250th Anniversary of American Independence and marks the first time a major Independence Day celebration of this scale has been held outside the City of Manchester.
Organizers have planned a full day of activities on Saturday, July 4, combining family entertainment, live music, a motorcycle rally, food vendors, a car show, and a fireworks display overlooking one of Clay County's most scenic locations.
Activities will begin at 2 p.m. when vendors open and registration begins for the Thunder on the Mountain Motorcycle Rally. Riders will depart at 3 p.m. for a scenic ride through the mountains of Clay County before returning to Elk Mountain for the evening festivities.
Families attending the event will find plenty to enjoy throughout the afternoon. Inflatable attractions will be available from 2 p.m. until 8 p.m., while a car show will run from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. Karaoke is scheduled from 5 p.m. until 6 p.m.
The evening entertainment lineup will feature several local and regional musical acts. A DJ will kick off the live music portion of the event from 5 p.m. until 6 p.m., followed by My Finest Hour from 6 p.m. until 7 p.m. The popular regional group Red River George will take the stage from 7:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. before Deep South closes out the night beginning at 9 p.m.
Organizers expect the combination of live music and fireworks to draw visitors from throughout southeastern Kentucky.
The event is being sponsored through a partnership that includes the Clay County Tourism Commission, Manchester Tourism Commission, Oneida Tourism Commission, Clay County Fiscal Court, the City of Manchester, and the Clay County Cruisers.
Officials say the event is designed not only to celebrate the nation's 250th birthday, but also to showcase Elk Mountain as a destination for tourism and outdoor recreation.
"This is more than just a fireworks show," organizers said. "It's an opportunity for families from across Clay County and the region to come together and celebrate our nation's history while enjoying one of the most beautiful locations in Kentucky."
The fireworks display is scheduled for dark and will serve as the grand finale to a day filled with music, motorcycles, food, family activities, and patriotic celebration.
Organizers are encouraging residents to bring lawn chairs, spend the day on the mountain, and take part in what they hope will become a new Clay County tradition.
Thunder on the Mountain will take place Saturday, July 4, at Elk Mountain. Admission to the celebration is free, with activities beginning at 2 p.m. and continuing throughout the evening until the fireworks conclude the event.
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