Several municipalities in the Champaign County area are hosting fireworks displays, parades and activities in honor of Independence Day. The following is a list of events:
St. Paris
JSP Community Fireworks activities will take place between the Graham middle and elementary schools from 4 p.m. until it’s time for fireworks at dusk on Saturday, June 29. The rain date is Sunday, June 30. A $5 wristband allows kids to enjoy bouncy houses and games. Food will be available to purchase. Get a close-up look at MedFlight and CareFlight helicopters. Proceeds go toward next year’s fireworks.
North Lewisburg
Men’s slow-pitch softball games will start at 9 a.m. and continue through the day on Saturday, June 29, at the North Lewisburg village park. Vendors will start selling their goodies at 10 a.m., and the day culminates with fireworks at dusk. The day is organized by the North Lewisburg Festival Assn., which will be passing the bucket for donations for this and/or future fireworks shows.
West Liberty
The West Liberty Lions Club will host a community fish fry 5-7 p.m. Saturday, June 29, in the big shelter house on the north side of West Liberty Lions Park. The cost is $9 for adults and $5 for children. Watch for fireworks at dusk. The West Liberty Force Softball Tournament will be in play all weekend.
To donate to the fireworks fund, visit The Peoples Savings and Loan Company in downtown West Liberty and ask to donate to an account set up on behalf of the Fourth of July fireworks show. Several downtown businesses also collect in their shops for the fireworks.
Urbana
Urbana’s Fourth of July celebration on Thursday, July 4 begins with the Champaign Cruisers’ 22nd annual Firecracker Car, Truck and Bike Show, said to be the biggest car show of its kind in Ohio. Visitors are invited free of charge 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. to the Skelley Lumber property, 1300 N. Main St., just south of the former armory.
The fee to register vehicles for the rain-or-shine event is $10 at the gate. Seventy-five trophies will be awarded, including a Best of Show trophy and a Veterans trophy. Three-hundred dash plaques will be given. Awards will be announced about 3 p.m. Must be present to win.
There also will be 150 goody bags, door prizes, a 50/50 drawing, driver’s pot and gas cards. In addition, a pre-designed pedal car will be raffled. Food will be available to purchase.
Proceeds go to the Caring Kitchen and other local charities through the year. For more info, call 937-925-6212.
The Urbana Rotary Club will start selling its renowned July 4 chicken barbecue dinners at 3:30 p.m. at nearby Grimes Field.
Musician Mack McKenzie will entertain from 7 to 9 p.m. at Grimes Field in a free concert, a part of the Champaign County Arts Council’s “Sounds of Summer” concert series.
The day’s activities conclude with the Rotary Club’s annual fireworks show at dusk at Grimes Field.
Christiansburg
Christiansburg’s celebration will be held on Sunday, July 7, this year in and around the park at the corner of Wilson and Second streets. The day starts with church services at the shelter house at 9 a.m. The annual all-day co-ed softball tournament will be in full swing at the diamonds in the park.
A parade will travel through the village at 11 a.m.
The firemen will host a water ball tournament at 1 p.m. on First Street.
Concessions available in the park include shave ice, kettle corn, brats and sweet corn, lemon shake-ups and Chuck Lyons’ chicken and pork chop dinners. Entertainment will be provided by DJ Johnny Fannin at noon and by Good Vibrations at 7 p.m.
At 6 p.m. a pie auction will raise money for fireworks. At dusk the fireworks show will begin and light up the night.
Mechanicsburg
Mechanicsburg’s annual Summer Celebration will be on Saturday, July 13, in Goshen Park. Before the parade starts at 2 p.m., celebrate early at the Mechanicsburg Public Library’s open house and enjoy:
– 10 a.m.-2 p.m. tours
– 10 a.m.-2 p.m. patriotic crafts for all ages
– 10 a.m.-2 p.m. magic show with Larry the Magician
– 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Books and Bridle – children can read to therapy horse “Gracie,” weather permitting
– 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Zoo on the Move – learn about the behaviors and habitats of Boonshoft Museum of Discovery animals
Isaac Bryant will be the grand marshal in the parade, which starts at 2 p.m. and will travel from Main Street to Goshen Park. Our Towne is still accepting entries for the parade. Those interested need to email Heather at [email protected] or call 330-730-0832.
The Ohio Village Muffins, an 1860s baseball team, will take on a team of Mechanicsburg All-Stars at 3 p.m. at the park, where there also will be food, a DJ and live music, children’s games, a sand dig at 5 and 7 p.m. and a corn hole tournament at 4 p.m.
Mechanicsburg Baptist Church’s KidzJam will host kids games 4-8 p.m. Shamrock Entertainment will DJ and Evolution will perform from 6 p.m. to dusk.
Vendors interested in participating in this year’s Summer Celebration need to call or text Tina at 614-584-2467, as spots are filling up fast.
Then, it’s time for fireworks, with Isaac Bryant singing the national anthem prior to the show.
