Kiwanis Club hosts 55th annual Hayward Minton Thunderfest

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Thousands of spectators came together to celebrate our country at one of Warren County’s longest-running traditions over the weekend.

The 55th annual Hayward Minton Thunderfest presented by the Kiwanis Club of Bowling Green and The Mint Gaming Hall was held Friday at Ephram White Park.

The event drew approximately 10,000 people to the park to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary.

Attendees enjoyed local food trucks and vendors, live music including headliner and The Voice alum Gracee Shriver, and a fireworks show.

2026 Thunderfest Co-Chair Semir Nailovic says the annual event is critical to supporting the Kiwanis Club’s mission.

“All the money raised from this goes right back into the community. Kiwanis continues to do multiple events every single year,” said Nailovic. “To give back to the community. To give families something to do because that’s our mission. To give back to families.”

Nailovic says Thunderfest also serves as a platform to increase awareness of Kiwanis events throughout the year and provides vital funding to support initiatives to help local children.

To learn more about the Kiwanis Club of Bowling Green, visit this web story at WNKY.com.