Plans for Independence Day festivities in Pikeville and Prestonsburg have been altered as emergency crews assist in a shooting investigation in Floyd County.
City officials canceled Friday’s Independence Day Festival in Pikeville out of respect for those that were killed and injured Thursday and announced that a fireworks display originally scheduled for Monday has been postponed.
The fireworks show has been rescheduled for Friday, July 8 at 9:45 p.m. following a Main Street Live event at the Appalachian Wireless Arena, according to a news release from the city of Pikeville.
The news release said Pikeville police and fire departments typically help prepare the fireworks display several days in advance, but in an effort to help with the investigation of Thursday night’s shooting incident, the show needed to be rescheduled.
Pikeville Mayor James Carter released the follow statement Friday:
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the cancellation of our Independence Day Festival in Pikeville. Our community mourns the tragic losses in Floyd County yesterday, and we have decided to cancel the festival in honor of the fallen officers and others injured. We offer our sincere sympathy to the entire Floyd County community – to the grieving family, friends and neighbors of these Kentucky heroes.
Independence Day is a celebration of our highest American values – the very ideals these courageous law enforcement officers gave their lives to protect. Instead of gathering for the festival, we encourage every Pikeville family to join us in prayer for the fallen officers and humble gratitude for their sacrifice.
Tourism officials in Prestonsburg announced that Star City Day, originally scheduled for Monday evening, will be postponed, according to a social media post from Prestonsburg Tourism.
A new date for live music and fireworks displays in Archer Park has yet to be released. A statement from Prestonsburg Tourism was released Friday:
In lieu of last night's tragedy, we believe it is in the best interest of our community to postpone Star City Day at this time. We do plan on coming together again in the near future to celebrate the heart that makes our community so special. Please continue lifting up Floyd County in your hearts. This is an incredibly special place with amazing people that are hurting. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this time.