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July 2, 2025 — Special Fireworks Edition
Hey there, Angie!
Welcome to an extra-sparkly edition of the Ball State Public Media Arts & Rec Newsletter!
We’re lighting up your inbox with a go-to guide for standout arts and culture across East Central Indiana—plus our top picks for fireworks shows that are sure to dazzle this Fourth of July! From crackling community concerts to sky-high celebrations, you won’t want to miss these festive events.
There’s so much going on, we had to add an extra issue this week just to fit it all in!
This week’s picks are handpicked by our very own Ashley Mann, Community Education Manager and resident fireworks enthusiast!
Keep an eye on your inbox every other Wednesday for a quick, curated roundup that’s easy to skim and packed with direct links to the region’s most exciting happenings. Think of it as your midweek spark of inspiration!
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FEATURE EVENT:
Lights over Morse Lake, Cicero IN
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From July 3–6, enjoy a jam-packed lineup of festivities in Cicero. Here's a taste of what’s in store:
July 3 & 4: Stroll through the food and craft vendor fair, enjoy classic carnival rides, and catch a high-energy concert with The Flying Toasters on July 3 from 8–10 p.m.
July 4: Celebrate Independence Day with a festive parade kicking off around 11 a.m., and cap off the night with a spectacular fireworks show around 10 p.m.
July 5: Start the day with the Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast, browse the Children’s Entrepreneur Market, grab a bite at Dan’s Fish Fry, and join in the 5K run/walk.
July 6: The fun keeps going with free bounce houses in the park, a cornhole tournament, and the always-entertaining Cicero’s Got Talent show.
Whether you're looking for live music, great eats, or good old-fashioned fun, this hometown celebration delivers!
For a schedule of activities, click here.
| | | That's not all...Check out Ashley's Recs! | | |
Ashley's Area Fireworks Guide
Looking for the best spots to catch a sky full of sparkle? Here’s where you can celebrate Independence Day (and beyond!) with fireworks across East Central Indiana:
July 3
City of Anderson Independence Parade and Celebration
Starts at noon
Anderson, IN
Alexandria Freedom Fireworks
Starts at 6 p.m. | Fireworks at dusk
Alexandria-Monroe Elementary School, Alexandria, IN
July 4
Fourth of July at Minnetrista
Begins at 6 p.m.
Minnetrista, Muncie, IN
Fire It Up on the 4th!
Begins at 6:15 p.m.
Harrah’s Hoosier Park Racing & Casino, Anderson, IN
W.C.C.P.C. Fireworks Show
Live music at 7 p.m. | Fireworks around 10 p.m.
Goodrich Park, Winchester, IN
Fireworks Celebration at Henry County Memorial Park
Full day of events starting at 7 a.m. | Fireworks at dark
Memorial Park, New Castle, IN
4th of July Celebration – Portland
Parade at 11 a.m. | Fireworks at 10:30 p.m. (after concert)
Portland, IN
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July 5
Glen Miller Park Fireworks
Roosevelt Hill, Richmond, IN
Prairie Creek Reservoir Fireworks
Fireworks begin at 10 p.m.
Prairie Creek Reservoir, Muncie, IN
July 7
Bestway Disposal 4th of July Figure 8 Madness & Fireworks
Race starts at 7 p.m. | Fireworks to follow
Anderson Speedway, Anderson, IN
July 12
Town of Lapel Fireworks
Part of the Lapel Village Fair | Show begins at 10 p.m.
Lapel Middle School, Lapel, IN
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2025 Independence Day Celebration, Belgian Horse Winery – Middletown, IN
Friday, July 4 | 3-–10 p.m.
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Join the festivities on July 4 from 3–10 p.m., featuring delicious food vendors, sweet treats, your favorite beverages, and live music to keep the party going.
The Midtown Mad Men will take the stage from 7–10 p.m., setting the mood for a patriotic evening. The celebration wraps up with the National Anthem and a dazzling fireworks display you won’t want to miss!
For more details, visit the event Facebook page—and to snag your tickets, head to Eventbrite.
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4th @ the Falls, Pendleton Sports Complex – Pendleton, IN
Friday, July 4 | 3:30–10:30 p.m.
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Celebrate Independence Day in Pendleton at this fun-filled, family-friendly event! Enjoy a wide variety of food vendors, live entertainment, and activities for all ages—including face painting, balloon art, and a festive golf cart parade.
Don’t miss the concert by Stella Luna and the Satellites, plus adult beverages available from The Stable.
The evening wraps up with a spectacular fireworks display beginning at 10 p.m.
For more details, visit the event’s Facebook page.
| | Keep the curiosity going! | | |
Take a closer look at the heart of small-town charm in Ball State PBS's Now Entering: Cicero! This 2022 episode captures the stories, history, and hometown pride of Cicero, Indiana—from lake life and local legends to community traditions that light up the town (including those fabulous fireworks over Morse Lake).
Watch the full episode anytime at pbs.org/video/now-entering-cicero and discover why Cicero holds a special spark in East Central Indiana.
| | | NPR's Tiny Desk Concerts: Billy Wylder Fourth of July | |
Billy Wylder perform "Fourth of July" from their 2018 record.
Watch Now
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This issue is brought to you by: Ashley Mann, Firework-Loving, Tomato-Tasting, Adventure-Chasing Newsletter Curator!
Ashley Mann is our Community Education Manager by day—and a full-time produce snob by choice. She’ll happily road-trip for the perfect berry or homegrown tomato, and don’t even get her started on sweet corn season. When she’s not exploring charming small towns or saying, “Look at that adorable goat!” she’s swinging on her patio, soaking up summer evenings with fireflies, flowers, and a front-row view of horses. Her favorite people? Her crew—husband, kiddos, and two very good doggos.
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