The 4th of July weekend is expected to be one of the busiest in Monroe County, fireworks and parades to Monroe County 4-H Fair. There are plenty of activities for families with kids of all ages over the long weekend, many free and some outside the county for those looking to escape the crowds.

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Here are the upcoming free activities in or around Monroe County:

Linton Freedom Festival Parade

Billed as “Indiana’s largest Independence Day parade,” the July 4 parade draws nearly 40,000 people to Linton each year, according to the Linton Freedom Festival website.

Sponsored by the Linton-Stockton Chamber of Commerce, the festival begins July 1 and runs through July 9. The parade begins at 10 a.m. on July 4 in downtown Linton. The festival also features a carnival, live bands, lip-syncing competition, horse draw and fireworks, which will begin at 10:30 p.m.

A full schedule of the festival is available on the Linton Freedom Festival website.

Sculpture Trail Open Air Museum

This trail, at 6764 North Tree Farm Road in Solsberry, is over 3 miles long and features over 100 sculptures by artists from around the world.

The trail is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for guided and self-guided tours. The trail is described on the museum’s website as moderately difficult, so visitors should wear sturdy shoes. Benches are located throughout the trail for anyone who needs a break. Families of all ages are welcome, but dogs are not allowed.

More information about the museum and other events to come later in July, such as the annual get-together aluminum sinksis available on the trail site.

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Flora Field Day

If parents are lucky enough to extend the long weekend into Tuesday, Bloomington’s Flora Field Day will take place Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Stillwater-Northfork Waterfowl Staging Area.

Recommended for anyone 12 years and older, a naturalist will help participants hone their flora identification skills. No previous experience is required and the naturalist will work with each participant according to their level of experience. The free event “opens the door to the identification of thousands of species”, according to the Facebook event page.

Registration is required before July 3. Interested persons can register at bit.ly/florafield-jul2022.

Participants should bring insect repellent, a hat and sunglasses, and enough water to stay hydrated. Cameras are also allowed.

Find Waldo Morgan County

Throughout July, this free event will involve stops at the dozens of shops and businesses in downtown Martinsville to find Waldo. Participants can pick up a Where is Waldo passport at Fables and fairy tales bookstore from July 1.

All participating merchants will have a Waldo in their location. When participants find a Waldo, they can get a store stamp or signature on their passport or take a photo with the Waldo and win prizes. The big Waldo party and the raffle are scheduled for the beginning of August, but the date has not yet been set.

Hard Truth Fest in Nashville

Hard Truth Distilling Co. will host its first Hard Truth Fest from July 1-4 with eight bands performing on the On the Rocks stage. Programming begins from 7-10 p.m. on July 1 with the Jack Whittle Trio. The David Ackerman Duo performs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on July 2, followed by Gary Applegate and Joe Rock from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and She Loves Horses: A Tom Petty Tribute Band from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. July are Gabe Sigler from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Current Entertainment from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., and Kickitlester from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Scapper and Blackwell will perform from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on July 4.

Daily activities at local libraries

The Monroe County Public Library and other local library branches organize daily activities for children of all ages, including the 4th of July weekend.

Some upcoming MCPL events are a sensory playtime for children up to 2 years old at 10:30 a.m. on Saturdays and a preschool storytime at 10 a.m. on Tuesdays.

The Ellettsville Branch Library will host a Mario Kart tournament for anyone ages 12-19 from 3-4:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Check each local library branch’s Facebook page for information on other upcoming events.

Contact Christine Stephenson at [email protected]