June 30, 2008 04:36 pm
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As another Independence Day weekend approaches, people throughout the country are worried whether holiday entertainment will strain the family budget. With the price of gasoline nearly $4 a gallon, the drive to an amusement park or a distant Independence Day attraction is a lot more expensive than just a year ago. And concert prices have soared along with the cost of fuel.
But in this corner of Kentucky, we need not worry about having to dig deep into our pockets to have a fun and memorable Independence Day celebration. For that, we can thank the many businesses and industries who annually contribute to make Summer Motion the envy of residents of communities much larger than Ashland.
Summer Motion already has begun with the Miss Summer Motion pageant, the Soapbox Derby — returning to Ashland after a two-year hiatus — and a handful of other events, but the celebration begins in earnest today with the first of three nights of free concerts on the riverfront. And, as always, this year’s lineup of performers is excellent.
It was 20 years ago that Summer Motion evolved from the old Tri-State Fair and Regatta, and after a combination of boat races, carnivals, concerts and lots of food in first Ironton, then Ashland and finally Huntington proved too difficult to coordinate each summer, the three communities went their separate ways and Summer Motion was born.
Organizers soon discovered the combination that works: Three night of concerts on the riverfront, one of the region’s best fireworks shows, a weekend of activities in Central Park, and lots of food.
While the names of the performers change annually, the format remains basically the same: A show featuring groups or individuals from the 1960s or 1970s singing their “golden oldies” and two nights of country acts. Some of the acts — Billy Ray Cyrus, the Judds, the Oak Ridge Boys and the Beach Boys, come immediately to mind — have attracted crowds of up to 15,000 to the riverfront.
This year, Kansas and the Ventures will perform their hits from yesteryear tonight, veteran country star Marty Stuart and Sarah Johns will be on the riverfront stage Thursday, and country stars Tracy Lawrence and Lady Antebellum will conclude the riverfront portion of Summer Motion on Friday.
However, the highlight of Friday’s activities will be the fireworks which are always one of the best in the region. Even thousands who do not attend the concerts will come downtown to see the fireworks — and they won’t be disappointed.
The Ashland Alliance again is sponsoring a July 4th parade in downtown Ashland at 5 p.m. on Friday. The parade, now in its 11th year, has gotten a little better each year, but we offer a suggestion to make it even better: Intersperse some units playing recorded patriotic music with the other parade units. Because high school bands are inactive during the summer months, there always has been a shortage of music during the Independence Day Parade, and in this case, silence is not golden. More music would enhance the parade.
It is possible to have a great time at the riverfront concerts and in Central Park on Saturday and Sunday without spending a dime. However, if you want to enjoy some great food, you will have to shell out some money. The many artists and craftsmen who set up in the park also hope you will buy their wares.
Largely because of a decision made years ago to not sell alcohol at Summer Motion, the annual celebration has remained an event the entire family can enjoy. In fact, it is truly amazing how few arrests are made during Summer Motion compared to the size of the crowds. That’s speaks highly for the people of this community, the leaders of Summer Motion and the Ashland Police Department.
Frankly, we can’t say enough good things about Summer Motion and Chuck Charles, who has headed the annual event for many years. We may be a bit prejudiced, but as far as we’re concerned, there is no better place to celebrate the nation’s birthday than right here in Ashland. Pass the corndogs, and let the music begin!
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