About This Festival

The City of Knox 2025 Family Fun Day and Fireworks Show will be held on July 5, 2025, at Wythogan Park in Knox, Indiana, Starke County. The event includes a 4th of July parade starting at 1 pm, with gates opening at 2 pm. It offers a variety of activities and entertainment including live music, food vendors, a beer garden, magic show, face painting, kids games, bounce houses, a cornhole tournament, a duck race, a burn-out contest, and professional wrestling. The highlight is the fireworks show at 9:30 pm. Admission is free, and tram service is available. The park is handicapped accessible.

About Wythogan Park:
Wythogan Park is a well-equipped city park on the north side of Knox featuring large shade trees, walking trails, playgrounds, basketball and tennis courts, pickleball courts, and picnic shelters available for rent. The park has amenities including restrooms, water, picnic tables, playgrounds, and ample parking with some free areas. It is wheelchair accessible and offers recreation options like disc golf with a 9-hole course suited for moderate difficulty. The park is open roughly from early morning until late evening (e.g., 5:30 am to 10 pm). Its address is near 101 W Washington St, Knox, IN.

Festival Atmosphere & Surrounding Area:
The event leverages the park's spacious, shaded setting with easy access to facilities and courts for community activities. The vibe is family-friendly and festive, combining traditional Independence Day celebrations with diverse entertainment appealing to all ages, from toddlers (face painting, bounce houses) to adults (beer garden, wrestling). The downtown area near Wythogan Park hosts the parade and serves as a gathering point before the main festival.

Event Activity Summary and Rough Schedule:

  • 1:00 pm: 4th of July parade in Knox (likely downtown, starting near park vicinity)
  • 2:00 pm: Gates open at Wythogan Park for the festival
  • Throughout afternoon into evening:
    • Live music performances on the park stage
    • Food vendors and beer garden for refreshments
    • Magic show for children
    • Face painting stations
    • Kids games and bounce houses for family fun
    • Cornhole tournament (likely set up near picnic areas or open spaces)
    • Duck race on water (possibly near Yellow River or park pond area)
    • Burn-out contest (requires a safe and designated area, possibly in a paved parking or open lot)
    • Professional wrestling matches (set in a ring setup area in the park)
  • 9:30 pm: Fireworks display to close the day, visible from key vantage points in the park

History & Background:
While specific founding history of the City of Knox Family Fun Day event is not detailed, it is a traditional 4th of July celebration staple combining a parade and fireworks with a broad array of community-focused activities. Wythogan Park itself is a central recreational hub in Knox, developed to serve families with multiple sport and leisure facilities, picnic shelters, and well-maintained natural spaces, contributing to the event's attraction as a family-friendly venue.

This event showcases Knox’s community spirit, blending classic Independence Day traditions with contemporary entertainment and outdoor recreation at Wythogan Park. Its accessible location with ample facilities and organized transport (tram service) supports a comfortable, inclusive experience for local residents and visitors alike.