State-Journal.com - Bored on the Fourth of July?

What would the Fourth of July be without bands, cookouts, time for honoring veterans " and, of course, fireworks? More than likely, besides being a day off, it would be something like the Thirteenth of March when we don't celebrate anything unless it's your birthday!

Friday evening, after you've had time to recover from running or walking in the annual Buffalo Chase 5K, plan to head on down to Capitol View Park off the East-West Connector for an evening of all those things that have made the Fourth of July special since way back in 1776.

"Everything will be at Capitol View," said Steve Brooks, director of Frankfort's Parks and Recreation Department. "This is the seventh year the city's had something to do with this event and the third year we've shot the fireworks from Capitol View.

"We've moved the thing all over town and this year we just decided to have it all at Capitol View."

Since Brooks and his department became involved, there's always been a strong focus on honoring veterans.

"My dad was a vet," Brooks said, "and I was in the National Guard. I've just always had a warm place in my heart for those who've served our country and I don't want them to be forgotten."

There'll be free food and entertainment for veterans. The park will open at 5:30 for them and at 6 to the general public.

Also, there'll be music by the Capital City Community Band and The Shining. 610 Barbecue will provide free food for veterans and their families and others may purchase food from the Busy Bee or bring their own picnic suppers.

In addition to the City of Frankfort, sponsors include Republic Bank, VFW Post 4075, Buffalo Trace Distillery, Destination Frankfort and McDonald's.

"Republic Bank and McDonald's are new sponsors this year," Brooks said, "and it's great to have them on board. The bank is selling tickets for two $500 raffles and that will be a great help funding the event."

Brooks said he's expecting things will be easier to control with all activities in one location.

"There are spaces for about 125 cars and I figure we can handle about two thousand people in the park," he said. "And people can watch the fireworks from a lot of different locations, like the Viet Nam Memorial, too."

Foxie's Fireworks

This will be the 46th year the near-legendary Sterling "Foxie" Tracey has launched the fireworks show. Each year, when asked, Brooks reprises his "Foxie stories" and how the city came to be involved in the Fourth of July show.

"I've known Foxie since I was a little boy," Brooks said. "He works for me now and has been a great friend across all these years. He's a real jewel."

One year, quite by accident, Brooks discovered the VFW was about out of money to fund the fireworks show.

"He was eating a sandwich at East Frankfort Park and I sat down to join him." This was about seven years ago.

"Foxie said that year would likely be the last for the fireworks since they were getting so expensive. I just couldn't imagine that happening: The Fourth of July with no fireworks."

Brooks made a few inquiries.

"Jimmy Rogers (longtime finance director for the City of Frankfort) came up with some money, Buffalo Trace agreed to donate the proceeds from the 5K, some others got involved and the fireworks were saved."

Brooks said the cost of the 27-30-minute show is about $14,000.

"Foxie shoots eight-inch shells and we were running into some problems down by River Park. It seems there are regulations regarding what size fireworks, how loud they go "boom' and such can be used near residential areas. Foxie's fireworks go about 300 feet into the air.

"So we moved the show to Capitol View and all's good."

Brooks said he's hoping for a great day to celebrate the nation's birthday and honor our veterans.

"It's all set," he said, "all folks have to do is show up."