“There’s no time like Independence Day that shows how important community is,” said Clark County Commissioner Melanie Flax Wilt. “Bringing people together through celebrations like fireworks and festivals improve the quality of life in our community and make people feel good about their place in the world.”
New Carlisle’s fireworks show has been made possible in part by the newly elected city council, which has allocated $10,000 to pay for the expenses.
In the past, the city did not have enough revenue to host a fireworks display. New Carlisle residents used to travel 30 minutes on average to reach the closest fireworks show, according to New Carlisle Mayor Ethan Reynolds.
“For the first time in quite some time we cut the budget, went through line-by-line, had a surplus and thought, ‘Hey, let’s thank the voters of New Carlisle,” Reynolds said.
There will also be a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday night to celebrate bringing fireworks back to the city, Reynolds said.
Residents may observe the show at Haddix Ball Park. Parking is available close by, at the IGA parking lot. Early arrival begins at 7 p.m.,and the fireworks show begins at dark.
In addition, a DJ, paid for by Reynolds, and a Whitter’s Wings food truck will be available at Haddix Ball Park. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs, as seating will not be provided.
A pool party will be held at the New Carlisle pool, which will have extended hours on the night of the celebration.
“The city is doing what it should have done all along — taking care of its citizens and making sure they know that they are greatly appreciated,” said Reynolds.
By re-introducing fireworks, New Carlisle joins other communities in Clark and Champaign counties that have made similar events a centerpiece of their annual Independence Day celebrations.
Clark County will host its 24th Annual Old-Fashioned Fireworks and Bicentennial at the Clark County Fairgrounds on Monday. Gates open at 6 p.m., and starting at 7 there will be live music in the grandstands and food vendors available to the public. The fireworks show will begin at approximately 10.
All events at the Clark County Fairgrounds have been funded through community donations, according to Executive Director of National Trails Park and Recreation District Leann Castillo.
“We really appreciate the sponsors that make this possible for the community for this free event where everyone can come together and enjoy the festivities,” she said.
Mechanicsburg will host celebrations on July 14, the second Saturday of the month.
“Events like these are a reminder of how our country was founded – it’s important that we not forget our early founding and the freedoms that we have,” said Scott Salee, a member of Our Towne Mechanicsburg, the organization that has organized the village’s Independence Day festivities.
Leading up to a parade at 2 p.m., the Farmers Market will be in Unity Park starting in the morning. The parade will finish its route at Goshen Park, where all other events will take place that day, according to Our Towne Mechanicsburg Chairman Dan Eck.
There will also be a baseball game at the park featuring Mechanicsburg residents against the Ohio Village Muffins at 3 p.m. Craft and food vendors will be available.
A corn hole tournament will take place at 4 p.m. Two children sand digs are scheduled for 5 and 7 p.m. that night.
Live bands and a DJ will be there all the way through the afternoon and evening. Finally, the fireworks display will begin at dusk.
Mechanicsburg’s festivities have largely been funded by Tim Cassady, the owner of Tim’s Towing, and his family. He has dedicated donations to Mechanicsburg’s Fire EMS & Police and the County Sheriff’s Department, according to Eck.
Our Towne Mechanicsburg is still looking for parade participants and vendors. Anyone interested in joining the parade may reach Dan Eck at (614) 579-2120 or Daniel.eck@ey.com. Interested vendors may contact Tina Johnson at 614-584-2467.
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