Summer Salute takes over downtown Hopkinsville

Live music, local vendors and carnival rides have taken over downtown Hopkinsville for Parks and Recreation’s 9th annual Summer Salute Festival.

The festival kicked off at 11 a.m. on Friday with food and retail vendors opening for business. Parks and Recreation Programs Coordinator Pam Rudd says they had steady afternoon traffic, and it’s hard to believe that the festival is in its ninth year.

After typically being held in August, Summer Salute was moved to September in hopes of beating the harsh heat, but the high temperatures still loomed. Parks and Recreation Programs Coordinator Jacob Gibson says it is almost like the heat followed them, but it’s at least cooler than it was last year.

Saved By the Music and Earth, Wind and Fire tribute band Shining Star perform on the Christian County Justice Center stage on Friday, concluding night one of the festival.

The fun continues on Saturday as vendors reopen at 11 a.m. and the Kids’ Zone reopens at noon. Gibson says this year they have bounce houses set up in the public library parking lot, and carnival rides are back at Founder’s Square, but this time they are all free.

Then, to conclude the festival on Saturday, The Frontmen and country music artist Easton Corbin will be performing. Summer Salute is free to attend, and more information is available at hoptownsummersalute.com.