(WKYT) – AAA of the Bluegrass forecasts 17% of Kentuckians are expected to travel during the Fourth of July holiday, with 90% of those travelers expected to go by vehicle despite higher gas prices.
AAA said Kentuckians are paying an average of $3.55 a gallon for gas, compared with $2.84 a gallon a year ago heading into the Fourth of July weekend.
About 800,000 Kentuckians are projected to travel between June 27 and July 5.
AAA offers travel advice
Lori Weaver Hawkins, public and government affairs representative for AAA, said the 250th anniversary of the U.S. and the Fourth of July falling on a weekend are factors in the travel forecast.
“I think the fact that this is the 250th anniversary of the U.S. and that Fourth of July falling on that weekend, I think that’s what got us back up to pretty much being close to where we were last year,” Weaver Hawkins said.
Weaver Hawkins encouraged drivers to leave earlier in the week leading into the holiday.
“You want to get on the road early so you can beat some of that traffic, especially if your travels take you through some of the major metros,” Weaver Hawkins said.
AAA officials said Kentucky drivers should be aware of construction areas on I-64 north of Lexington and in Louisville during the holiday weekend.
Versailles and Richmond plan events
Some travelers may stay closer to home for events in central Kentucky, including in Versailles and Richmond.
In Versailles, Fourth of July events begin at noon on Main Street with food trucks. A parade is scheduled for 1 p.m.
At 5 p.m., the county park will open with new activities, including a hot dog eating contest.
Amanda Wainscott, communication and event coordinator for Versailles, said the city will have free children’s activities, live music, a DJ and an eight-piece band called the Tim Talbert Project.
In Richmond, city officials estimate 7,000 people will attend events at Lake Reba Park.
A portion of the afternoon will include free swimming and free mini golf. Elizabeth Eversole, program coordinator with the Richmond Parks Department, said the city also is adding a car show near the Adventure Falls area with Old School Customs.