Since 1776, Americans everywhere have reaped the benefits of independence, and since 1870, July Fourthhas been officially recognized as our Independence Day. With this comes barbecuing, marching in parades and gathering to watch colors explode in the sky above us.
If you’re looking to do any of that this year, here are some of the best ways to celebrate in central Ohio.
Franklin County
Bexley
The John Barr 5K is set to begin at 8 a.m. at Jeffrey Mansion, 165 N. Parkview Ave.Regular registration is available for $35 until July 4, when the price increases to $40.
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
The Bexley Parade is set to begin at 9:30 a.m. at the intersection of North Remington Roadand Maryland Avenue. It heads east, following the same route from 2023.
Evening celebrations and fireworks are set to go from 6 to 11 p.m. on Capital University's Main Street lawn, including various music and festivities yet to be announced. The fireworks are set to begin around 10 p.m.
More information can be found at bexley.org/fourth/.
KABOOM:Can you shoot off fireworks in Columbus? How Juneteenth, July 4 affect the rules
Doo Dah Parade
The unique, one-of-a-kind parade begins at noon in Goodale Park, 120 W. Goodale St. The parade sets off on Park Street at 1 p.m., moving from Buttles Avenue to Russell Street.
The party and music continues throughout the day in Goodale Park from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
More information can be found by visiting doodahparade.com.
Doo Dah Parade at 40:Organizers talk history, importance of parade
Dublin
The annual Sherm Sheldon Fishing Derby begins at 8 a.m. on July 4 at Avery Park's pond, 7401 Avery Road. There is no preregistration required, but families are asked to bring their own fishing equipment.
Dublin's parade is 1 mile and length and kicks off at 11 a.m. on July 4 fromMetro Place North, ending atWaterford Drive. The evening celebrations are to commence at 4:30 p.m., featuring music from the Mighty Troubadours, Karissa Ella and Martina McBride. The fireworks begin at 9:50 p.m.
More information can be found by visiting dublinohiousa.gov/community-events/independence-day-celebration/.
Gahanna
Fireworks, food and fun will greet those who head to the Gahanna Municipal Golf Course, 220 Olde Ridenour Road, from 5 to 11 p.m. on July 3. On top of that, there will be live music beginning at 5:30 p.m. Those watching the celebrations from their car can tune into 103.5 or 104.3 to hear Gahanna’s Independence Day soundtrack.
More information can be found at gahanna.gov.
July Fourth 2024:Weather forecast, when and why the holiday started
Grove City
On July 4, the Murfin Memorial Fields, 4570 Haughn Road, will be home to simulcast music from QFM-96 and WLVQ-96.3 from 8:30 to 10:15 p.m. and fireworks beginning around 9:45 p.m.
More information can be found at: grovecityohio.gov.
Groveport
The Independence Day Fireworks & Family Fun Celebration on Wirt Road boasts family activities and food trucks for Groveport’s celebration July 3, alongsidemusic from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. and fireworks at dusk. The Independence Day Celebration Parade on July 4 begins at 10:30 a.m. with the Red, White & Kids Parade on 751 Main St., followed by the Main Parade on 7370 Groveport Road.
For more information, visit groveport.org/449/July-4th.
Hilliard
The city's Freedom Fest brings swimming, food trucks, live music and a kids' zone to Municipal Park, 3800 Veterans Memorial Drive, on July 4. Music begins at 5:15 p.m. and ends with the national anthem around 9:45 p.m., followed by fireworks. General admission is free, kids'zone wristbands are $8 at presale and $10 on the day.
For more information, visit hilliardohio.gov/freedom-fest/.
Holiday history:Some 'facts' we get wrong about Independence Day
New Albany
New Albany Middle School, 6600 E. Dublin Granville Road, is the site of food trucks, art and other vendors from 7 to 9:45 p.m. on July 4. Fireworks are to begin at approximately 10 p.m. The parade is to begin at 11 a.m. at 6455 New Albany-Condit Road and proceed to 6300 E. Dublin Granville Road.
More information can be found at cm.newalbanychamber.com.
Northland
This completely volunteer-organized parade commences with a lineup at 8:30 a.m. and the parade setting off at 10 a.m. from the intersection of Morse and Karl roads, ending around 11:30 a.m. at 5750 Karl Road.
For more information, check out northlandparade.org.
Red, White & BOOM!
Once again, Genoa Park will be home to the largest fireworks display in the Midwest. The show begins at 10 p.m. on July 3 and last approximately 25 minutes. General admission is free and VIP tickets and tents are available online at redwhiteandboom.org.
A lineup of live music is set for the evening, including Julia Neville, Shake Machine, Distorted Silence and more.
2023 photo gallery look back:
Reynoldsburg
Reynoldsburg’s Independence Day celebration is to be held from 6 to 10 p.m. in Civic Park, 6800 Daugherty Drive, on July 3. Food vendors, entertainment and a kids' zone with bounce houses are to be present until 9 p.m. Fireworks are scheduled for 9:45 p.m. At 10 a.m. on July 4, the Reynoldsburg Community Association hosts a parade from the corner of Rosehill Road and Main Street.
For more information, visit reynoldsburg.gov/339/Independence-Day-Celebration.
Upper Arlington
The Upper Arlington Fourth of July parade proceeds down Northwest Boulevard at 9 a.m and finishes at the North Star Road intersection. The streets are expected to reopen for traffic around 1 p.m.
Party in the Park parking opens at 5 p.m. and the event is scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. in Northam Park, 1880 Northam Road. There is to be live music from the Conspiracy Band and more, beginning at 6 p.m., followed by the presentation of awards and fireworks at 10 p.m.
Check out directors1933.uaca.org/wordpress/events/independence-day/ for more information.
Westerville
Once again, the Rotary Club of Westerville’s Independence Day Vets 5K kicks off at 7:30 a.m. Thursday, July 4 at the Westerville Sports Complex, 325 N. Cleveland Ave. Registration is available at runsignup.com.
At 10:30 a.m. the parade is set to begin, heading south on State Street from St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church to Electric Avenue. At 5 p.m., the sports complex is to be host to a fun zone with games, music, food trucks and performers. Fireworks are set to begin at 10 p.m.
This year, the Westerville Community Center will be closed on the Fourth of July to accommodate the event.
More information can be found at westerville.org.
Whitehall
The fireworks viewing party is scheduled for 6-10 p.m. on July 3 at Whitehall Yearling High School, 675 S. Yearling Road. Tickets are required for the viewing party, which are mailed each spring in the opportunity guide, but additional tickets can be picked up from the service department at City Hall, 360 S. Yearling Road, from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. on July 3.
More information can be found online: whitehall-oh.us/429/Fireworks-Viewing-Party.
Worthington
The Thomas Worthington High School stadium, 300 W. Granville Road, hosts Worthington’s fireworks show, with gates opening at 9 p.m. and fireworks blasting off at 10 p.m. Parking is limited, and the city urges viewers to bike or walk to the stadium if possible.
The Rotary Family Picnic is not scheduled this year due to continuing construction at Thomas Worthington High School.
For more information, check out worthington.org/2355/July-4th-Fireworks.
Delaware County
Delaware
Sponsored by Citizens for the 4th, the annual parade sets off at 11 a.m. and proceeds from the fairgrounds' Liberty Street gate on Pennsylvania Avenue and through downtown Delaware. The Central Ohio Symphony performs itsannual outdoor concert at Ohio Wesleyan University’s Phillips Glen Lawn, 61 S. Sandusky St. Fireworks will be launched at 10 p.m. from the city’s Cherry Street property.
Check out delawareohio.net for more information.
Safety is priority:How to keep your pets calm, relaxed during July Fourth fireworks, thunderstorms
Orange Township
Orange Township’s parade sets off at 10 a.m. on July 4 at the intersection of Roespark Boulevard and East Orange Road.
More information can be found at orangetwp.org/parade/.
Sunbury
Sunbury is home to the Big Walnut Civic Association’s Fourth of July Parade, which begins at 10 a.m. from Big Walnut High School, 713 Miller Drive.
For more information, visit allevents.in/sunbury/big-walnut-civic-association.
Fairfield County
Buckeye Lake B.L.A.S.S.T
The 2024 Buckeye Lake Area Star Spangled Tradition (B.L.A.S.S.T) is to begin at 9:45 p.m. on July 3 from Buckeye Lake State Park, 2905 Leibs Island Road NE, Millersport, featuring beautiful fireworks until 10:30 p.m.
More information can be found at escapetobuckeyelake.com,
Lancaster
Lancaster and Fairfield County’s Fourth of July Celebration starts at 10 a.m. with the annual parade proceeding from the Columbus Street exit of the Fairfield County Fairgrounds around to the fairgrounds exit on Broad Street. Fireworks rocket into the sky beginning at 10 p.m.
Fore more information, check out visitfairfieldcounty.org.
Pickerington
The city hosts a fireworks display from Pickerington High School Central, 300 Opportunity Way, at 9:30 p.m. on July 3. The parade begins at 10 a.m. on July 4 in Olde Pickerington Village, setting off from the intersection of Opportunity Way and Lockville Road, turning on West Columbus Street, then Hill Road South and finishing at Pickerington Ridgeview Junior High School.
More information can be found by visiting ci.pickerington.oh.us/departments/parks-recreation/special-events/july-4th-celebration/.
Licking County
Granville
The Kiwanis Stars, Stripes & Spirit celebration spans from July 3-6 this year, held on East Broadway. The midway concessions and rides open at 1 p.m. on July 3. The Firecracker Five race is scheduled for 7:45 a.m. on July 4, followed by decorated bike contests, the parade at 10:45 a.m. and the midway opening at noon.
Granville's fireworks show is scheduled for 10 p.m. on July 5.
More information and a full schedule of events can be found at https://granville4th.com/schedule.
Utica
The Fourth of July celebration at South End Park on Mt. Vernon Road includes food trucks, bounce houses, live music and fireworks from 5-10 p.m.
For more information, visit facebook.com/VillageOfUtica/.
Madison County
Plain City
The Plain City parade sets off at 10 a.m. in Pastime Park, 370 N. Chillicothe St., followed by activities in the park atnoon and fireworks at 9:45 p.m. There is to be food, music and children’s activities for attendees. Additionally, Bicentennial Park, 111 S. Chillicothe St., hosts the kickoff of Plain City’s farmers market season, with vendors selling goods from 9 a.m. to noon.
Check out plain-city.com/government/parks___recreation/independence_day.php for more information.
Pickaway County
Ashville
The 2024 Ashville Fourth of July celebration takes place from Saturday, June 29 to Thursday, July 4. The Grande Parade takes place at 11 a.m. on July 4, with participants lining up on Plum Street before setting off onto East Main Street.
The five days of celebration also features competitions like Miss Ashville Fourth of July, Little Mr. & Miss Ashville Fourth of July, Ashville Fourth of July Baby Contest, musical entertainment and more.Fireworks are scheduled for 10 p.m. on July 4.
Check out ashville4thofjuly.com. for more information and a full scheduled of events.
nfishman@gannett.com
