Kokomo preparing for ‘Stars, Stripes Summer Nights’ KOKOMO, Ind. (WISH) — Just like many other towns and cities in the U.S., Kokomo is rolling out a full slate of events this Fourth of July weekend as the country marks its 250th birthday, a The celebration, themed Stars, Stripes Summe r Nights, spans two days and includes everything from a tribute race and ice cream social to a veterans march and fireworks at the ballpark. Mayor Tyler Moore told News 8 that residents and visitors have plenty of ways to take part. “Having the Haynes Apperson festival (celebrated), and now the Fourth of July — the 250th — being celebrated, allows the community to come together in a more meaningful way to celebrate not only our community’s heritage, but obviously America’s history,” Moore said. Kickoff at Kokomo Speedway The festivities get underway Friday at Kokomo Speedway, which Moore called “Indiana’s baddest bull ring.” The track will host a Vince Osmond tribute race before capping the evening with a fireworks display. “That’ll get everybody warmed up for the festivities on Saturday,” Moore said. A full day in downtown Kokomo On Saturday, events begin at 11 a.m. at the Historical Society, where an ice cream social will run through the afternoon. Attendees can also tour the Seiberling Mansion, which houses artifacts and exhibits tied to Howard County and Kokomo’s history. At 1 p.m., the action shifts to the downtown square for a First Friday-style event featuring local vendors and businesses. Moore says the format will be a familiar one for Kokomo residents — the city typically holds First Friday gatherings on the square each month. July’s version was moved to the Fourth to align with the Independence Day celebration. Moore noted the timing worked out in part because the Haynes Apperson Festival — an annual event honoring Kokomo’s deep roots in American automotive history — was shifted earlier in the year. With that event off the calendar for the holiday weekend, the city was free to build a more dedicated Fourth of July program. Veterans March to the ballpark At 4 p.m., the downtown celebration wraps up with a “250 Celebration Walk.” Residents and guests can join local Veterans, police, fire, EMS, members of the Howard County Sheriff’s Department, and residents from the Jackson Commons Veterans Home as the group marches from the downtown square to Kokomo Municipal Stadium. That’s where the Kokomo Creek Chubs, the city’s summer collegiate baseball team in the Prospect League, will host a home game. The team plans on honoring the Vets with pre-game activities. “It’s one more way to kind of work in and celebrate those that have fought and defended our freedoms that we’re enjoying and often take for granted,” Moore said. Following the game, fans — whether they attended the Creek Chubs game or not — are welcome to stay for a fireworks display at Municipal Stadium. If you can’t make it to Kokomo, there are other options For those looking for additional options in Howard County, the Howard County Fairgrounds in Greentown will host its annual Fourth of July fireworks display. The Pioneer Village will also feature a patriotic theme the night before the fireworks, giving families another stop to add to the weekend. Moore said the breadth of activities reflects what the 250th anniversary calls for. “All kinds of excitement tomorrow,” he said. “So, much stuff going on to celebrate America’s 250.” ...read more read less