SPIRIT OF SEVENTY SIX: Free concert and fireworks attract big crowd to 76 Falls CC

Sunday, July 5, 2026

Free concert and fireworks attract big crowd to 76 Falls CC

A huge crowd gathered for the free concert and fireworks show that capped the Spirit of 76 Celebration. This photo was taken near the end of headliner Chris Knight's long set, around 9:30 p.m. at the 76 Falls Country Club. The big-time fireworks show followed quickly after Knight wrapped up. For a short video of part of the fireworks show, see the Celebration's Facebook page.

BELOW, a photo taken earlier in the evening shows the hot-air balloon, Larry Cordle and his band, the American flag hoisted by a ladder truck, and the crowd enjoying the evening. (Photo by James Guffey)

EVENTS SCHEDULE

Friday, July 3, 2026 • Noon-5 p.m. Seventy Six Baptist Church, KY 639 & 734: Quilt display, noon-5 pm; History and families of Seventy Six, 1-3 p.m. • Noon: "The Importance of Place," walking lecture by author Rudy Thomas, 76 Falls Recreation Area parking lot to Mount Union Christian Church lot, 0.4 miles • • 1 p.m.: Golf tourney at 76 Falls Country Club ("Battle of 76," shootout-style for 30) • 1-3 p.m. Wool spinning wheel demonstrations by Vickie Piercey May, Mount Union Chr. Ch. • 1:30 p.m. "Benjamin Franklin: His Role in Our Independence," by Rodney "Buzzy" Piercey, retired Eastern Kentucky University provost, at Mt. Union Chr. Church • 2-3 p.m. Display and discussion of Native American artifacts by Terry Piercey • • • • • 3 p.m. Showing at Mount Union of From Honor to Medal, documentary about the heroism of Medal of Honor winner G. Murl Conner and the effort to get him the medal long after his death, followed by a panel discussion on Conner's life, war, veterans and defense • 6 p.m. CONCERT at 76 Falls golf course by Colton Bowlin, Albany native and rising country-music star; opening acts Thomas Osterricher and Kristen Hunter SATURDAY, JULY 4 • • 8-10 a.m. Veterans breakfast, VFW Hall, Hopkins St., Albany (free to vets, active military and reserve and spouses ONLY) • • 8 a.m: 7.6-mile run from 76 Falls Recreation Area to Albany public square • • 8:30 a.m. Tourney at 76 Falls Country Club, limited to 76 golfers • • • 9-10:30 a.m.: Clinton County High School Alumni Band performs on sqauare before and during race finish • Repeated events at Mt. Union Christian Church (see above)• • Seventy Six Baptist Church events: Quilt display, 10-5; Tim Riddle Singers, 10:30-11; Cross Brothers and Ryan Thomas, 11:30-12:30; Albany Community Chorus, 1-1:30; History and families of the community, 3-5 p.m.; Sasser's homemade ice cream, 3 p.m. until gone • • • • • • • • • • • • 5-7 p.m. Activities for children at golf course • 5:30-8 p.m. (weather permitting) tethered rides in ReMax hot-air balloon, near course • 6 p.m. CONCERT by Chris Knight, fronted by Emi Sunshine and Larry Cordle, at golf course • • • • FIREWORKS SHOW at golf course after concert