Featuring the Highwaymen Show Tribute

Presented by Ariel-Foundation Park and the City of Mount Vernon
Saturday, July 4

Doors at 5:00pm • Openers 5:30pm-7:15pm • Highwaymen Show Tribute 7:30pm • City of Mount Vernon Fireworks 10:00pm

VENUE:
Schnormeier Event Center, Ariel-Foundation Park
(10 Pittsburgh Ave., Mount Vernon, OH 43050)

Celebrate Independence Day 2026 with an unforgettable evening at Ariel-Foundation Park! On July 4th, the Schnormeier Event Center comes alive with the legendary sounds of the Highwaymen Show Tribute, honoring the iconic supergroup of Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and Kris Kristofferson. This powerful tribute recreates the look, sound, and spirit of the original Highwaymen, performing timeless hits like “Ring of Fire,” “On the Road Again,” “Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys,” and more.

The evening kicks off with openers Backroad Divas, bringing the signature songs of ‘90s country’s leading ladies to life, followed by Linden and Melvin, delivering a soulful blend of classic country and Americana. Bring your lawn chairs, grab some eats from local vendors, and enjoy a night of unforgettable music capped off with a dazzling fireworks display. Don’t miss this free, family-friendly celebration under the stars—Ariel-Foundation Park is the place to be this July 4th!

Food service will begin at 5 p.m., with local food vendors stationed throughout the event area. Beer, wine, and liquor will be available for purchase within the Schnormeier Event Center. Guests are reminded that only alcohol purchased on-site may be consumed within the Event Center and alcohol may not be taken outside the fenced area. Smoking and pets are prohibited inside the venue. Super Q 93.7 FM will be broadcasting live starting at 6 p.m. from the park and will simulcast the music to the fireworks display. Eventgoers inside the Schnormeier Event Center can bring their own chairs or use the park’s, while eventgoers sitting on the lawn or terraces should bring their own seating. This event is free and open to the public, with all seating available on a first-come, first-served basis and no reserved seating or tables available for purchase.

Volunteers from the Exchange Club of Mount Vernon and Knox County will help park attendees upon arrival. The majority of parking will be available at The Lakes area, entering from Madison Avenue; near the Urton Clock House off Pittsburgh Avenue; and in designated lots off Harcourt Road. A limited number of accessible parking spaces will be available on a first-come, first-served basis in the Schnormeier Event Center lot. Please note that there will be no parking on the grass, but in designated areas only. Additional parking is available in downtown Mount Vernon, at the CA&C Depot, and at Memorial Park. Guests are encouraged to use the bike trail and Riverwalk under the viaduct for convenient access to and from the park. Those interested in spending the day at Ariel-Foundation Park are encouraged to enjoy the park’s trails, lakes, and recreational opportunities prior to the evening festivities. Guests watching fireworks from The Lakes area may bring kayaks or canoes equipped with appropriate safety gear. Swimming remains prohibited. Rastin Observation Tower will be open until 8 p.m. The Urton Clock House will be closed to the public during the event.

In order to secure the area for the fireworks presentation, the road through The Woods will be closed beginning at 2 p.m. The main park road in front of the Event Center will also be closed at 2 p.m. allowing pedestrian and accessible parking traffic only. Pittsburgh Avenue will be closed from the Clock House parking lot to Seventh Avenue starting at 8 p.m. (residential traffic only.) The Lakes area gate at Madison Avenue will close at 10 p.m. Columbus Road will close to southbound traffic at approximately 9:30 p.m. and will remain closed until the park clears following the fireworks display. Suggested alternative viewing locations for the fireworks include Arch Park, the Harcourt Road parking area at Ariel-Foundation Park, the CA&C Depot, and Memorial Park.

The Ariel-Foundation Park July 4th Celebration is sponsored by Ariel Corporation, Park National Bank, Gordy and Fran Yance, Knox County Foundation, Knox Community Hospital, Griffin Insurance, The Energy Cooperative, United Aggregates, and the Knox County Convention & Visitors Bureau.