LEXINGTON, Ky. — Lexington is preparing an expanded Fourth of July celebration in honor of America's 250th birthday, announced Mayor Linda Gorton this week. The city said in a statement that the week-long festivities will combine traditional patriotic events with special commemorative activities marking both the nation's milestone anniversary and the 50th running of the Bluegrass 10,000 race.

"The Fourth of July is one of our city's favorite celebrations," Gorton said in a statement. "And I cannot think of a better way to honor our nation's 250th birthday than by bringing our entire community together to celebrate the freedoms, traditions, and spirit that unite us."

The downtown festivities will kick off early July 4 with the milestone 50th running of the Bluegrass 10,000, a USATF-certified 10K course. For the first time, the race will feature a new 5K option alongside the traditional 10K and one-mile fun run. Organizers said the race brings together "runners, wheelchair participants, families, and neighbors" to kick off the day's festivities.

The city will host several new events to commemorate America's 250th, including a sing-along to a filmed version of the Broadway musical Hamilton on June 26, and an "America 250" birthday party celebration at Henry A. Tandy Centennial Park on July 1 with free cake and ice cream. The Ice Cream Social will feature patriotic music and festivities.

Traditional events return with the annual patriotic concert by the Lexington Philharmonic at Transylvania University on July 3, a Fourth of July Festival and Market downtown, a parade at noon, and fireworks at 10 p.m. The city said in a release that the fireworks display will include "an extra special grand finale" in honor of the nation's 250th anniversary. The show launches from the R.J. Corman Railroad Group's railyard near Oliver Lewis Way and West Main Street.

Lexington Parks & Recreation said it is encouraging residents and businesses to decorate homes, storefronts, and parade floats in red, white and blue. The department will award prizes to the top three decorated floats, homes and businesses along the parade route and Bluegrass 10K course that best capture the 250th anniversary theme.

Justin Broyles, president and CEO of R.J. Corman Railroad Group, said in a statement: "This event has become a meaningful tradition for our company and our community, and we are honored to play a role in bringing people together each year."

Lexington's Fourth of July celebration coincides with nationwide America 250 commemorations marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence signing. The city's week-long events are organized by Lexington's Division of Parks & Recreation.