The 28th annual Celebrate America event will move to a new location this summer.
On Wednesday, Citizens Bank and the city of Batesville announced that the popular Independence Day celebration will move to the Batesville Municipal Golf Course.
According to a release from Citizens Bank, the event, presented by Sonic, is set to continue its tradition of family-friendly entertainment, live music, food vendors, and one of Arkansas’ largest fireworks displays, despite the temporary closure of its longtime venue, Riverside Park.
“We are grateful to the city of Batesville for their proactive leadership and dedication to our community,” said Micah Beard, regional president of Citizens Bank. “Their commitment to progress, while still making room for the traditions that bring us together, is truly commendable. Thanks to their collaboration, this year’s celebration will be just as memorable in its new location.”
The venue change comes as Riverside Park officially closed for construction this month, marking the beginning of a large-scale improvement project approved by voters in August 2023. The project, funded through an extension of a half-cent sales tax, will redevelop the park with nature and water play areas, an events center, and expanded recreational amenities.
Despite the change in location, organizers said the event’s spirit remains the same.
“Exciting details are still to come. Citizens Bank and Sonic want the community to know that the show will go on—and it’s going to be better than ever,” the release from Citizens Bank noted.
Now in its 28th year, Celebrate America remains a cornerstone of Batesville’s summer traditions, bringing together residents and visitors to mark Independence Day.
City officials expect the renovated Riverside Park to reopen in December 2026. A groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for June, with details to be announced.
File image of Celebrate America 2022 by Gena Tate, White River Now
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