Moose picnic, fireworks lead Independence Day festivities

Fireworks shows in Tell City Friday, at Derby Saturday

TELL CITY - Moose Lodge 1424's annual Independence Day picnic kicks into full gear today with games and food in Zoercher-Bettinger Park and a big fireworks show Friday night. The fun continues through Saturday evening.

Lodge members will serve barbecued-chicken and pork-chop dinners Thursday, Friday and Saturday with help from Ladies of the Moose. Serving begins at 4 p.m. Thursday and at 11 a.m. Friday and Saturday.

Sales will continue until supplies are exhausted. Meals include crick-fried potatoes, green beans and bread and cost $6.50.

"Darrell Toothman and his crew will be preparing some great dinners so come on out and enjoy a delicious meal at a reasonable price," picnic chairman Bill Coyle said.

Meals can be enjoyed under the park's shelterhouse or purchased to go.

Gene O' Rides of Fordsville, Ky., will provide a range of rides, games and other attractions today through Saturday. Ride tickets are $1 each or 22 tickets for $20. Wrist bands allowing unlimited rides for a night cost $15.

Starting at 6:30 p.m. Friday, kids karaoke will be offered with Scotty Davis Karaoke providing evening entertainment. Cash prizes will be awarded.

Friday night's fireworks show begins at 10:30 p.m. under supervision of Tell City firemen.

Saturday's events include a 3 p.m. men's horseshoe tourney. Sign-up begins at noon and continues until matches start at 3 p.m. Cost is $5 per person with a blind draw.

More than $350 in prize money is up for grabs and there will be a 100 percent payback for first through fourth places.

The picnic's annual pie-eating contest begins at 5 p.m. Saturday and this year brings a bean-bag throwing contest for kids starting around 6 p.m. Prizes will be awarded.

Leo Gronquist will perform Saturday evening, beginning at 7 p.m.

Proceeds from the annual picnic support the lodge's civic activities in the community.