NEWPORT, Ky. — A new partnership between MeetNKY, BB Riverboats and Newport on the Levee is bringing a new tradition to the region. Newport Blast is a new festival to celebrate Independence Day.

From bouncy slides to face painting and even a hot dog eating contest, the northern Kentucky community was all smiles as they got Fourth of July festivities started early.

This is the first year of the Newport Blast, and Newport on the Levee, general manager, Gabriella Burch, sait they wanted to create an experience that families can remember.

Burch said, "This is a family friendly event. It’s free there. There aren’t a ton of events like those, so we’re really excited to offer something like that to the community.”

It worked because despite the cloudy skies, families from all over came out, including 16-year-old Gabrielle Clement celebrating her birthday and the holiday.

Clement said, "I’s always very, like, energetic. Like, it’s almost like I have two birthdays, like a celebration for today and tomorrow."

Katherine Page brought her 8-year-old son to enjoy all the activities.

Page said, "Just to be able to get people together…no matter their nationalities, from Cincinnati to northern Kentucky. And just to have a fun event for the kids to do and be safe.”

For another family, they came early to set up for the fireworks.

Jamie Black said, “It’s just great for families to be able to get together and celebrate together. And it’s something that’s fun for the whole community to be able to do.”

Newport Blast allowed families to create new memories and traditions that will last for years to come.