What better way to celebrate Independence Day than to celebrate your local independents? By this, we mean celebrating all of the local businesses that not only keep our economy vibrant but also help distinguish our town as both unique and desirable.

Did you get your special "Think Local, Drink Local" pint glass at West Sixth Brewing last night? If not, you may have missed your chance for now, but you still have a chance to score a can of their beer on Main Street today during the 4th of July festivities.

Across the way, in the Cheapside Pavilion area, Hardwood Pizza is back flipping amazing wood-baked pies to keep everyone satisfied and happy. Hardwood has been a trailblazer in the vastly expanding food cart area of our community, and the vendors are now organized under the Bluegrass Food Truck Association.

Need to know about other start times and events for today? Here is a list, courtesy of http://www.downtownlex.com/fourth-of-july-festivities.

• Bluegrass 10,000 Foot Race 7:30am - enjoy live music from Still Kickin at the end of the race course from 8:00-10:00!
• Downtown Street Festival 9:00am-6:00pm
• Entertainment Sites: Cheapside Park, History Museum on Short, Centrepointe Lot, Phoenix Park, Upper Courthouse Plaza
• Kids Zone in Billboard Parking Lot, corner of Short and N. Limestone, Children's Free Craft Activities, 10:00am-2:00pm
• Reading of the Declaration of Independence at Main Street and Fifth Third Bank Following the BG10,000 Awards Ceremony
• Parade from Midland Avenue down Main Street to Broadway 2:00pm
• July 4th Live! Performances by Mama's Blue Dress (6:00-7:45) and Swing Street (8:00-10:00). Location: Main Street and Minter Way
• Downtown Fireworks 10:00pm