By MICHAEL CRIMMINS
Glasgow News 1
Despite near-constant rainfall, the annual firework celebration is still planned for July 4 at Barren River Lake State Resort Park.
The show that lights the night sky each Independence Day will have changes this year due to the high water level of the lake, according to a press release from the Friends of Barren River Lake and Park. Fireworks will begin at 9 p.m. at the state park with viewing “available on the grassy hill behind the State Park Lodge and around the tennis courts” and boaters can anchor outside the designated fireworks safety zone.
Barren County Judge-Executive Jamie Bewley Byrd said at the June 17 fiscal court meeting the celebration was in danger of cancellation due to the high water. She added that she still knows people who cannot get to their now-underwater boat docks.
Barren County received 6.4 inches of rain so far in June, and 7.5 inches for the month of May, according to Kentucky Mesonet. The Barren River Lake level is 571.26 feet above mean sea level, according to the Louisville District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. For context, the “normal summer pool” for the lake is 552 feet above mean sea level.
Due to the lake water level, this year’s event will not include the typical Family Day at the Beach. The 350 beach parking spots are also underwater and unavailable.
“[Because of] the flooding and the loss of beach parking spaces, attendees are encouraged to: carpool with family or friends whenever possible, arrive early to secure a good spot, use designated parking areas and be prepared for a short walk and respect all no-parking zones and marked areas,” the press release stated.
