ASHLAND — Ashland will celebrate the Fourth of July with a larger fireworks display than ever before.
The annual July 4th Rotary Club’s fireworks are intentionally larger and will be shot higher into the sky to allow viewers to practice safe social distancing while enjoying the Saturday evening show.
“We are very excited to be hosting our traditional fireworks display. It will be the largest show Ashland has ever put on for the public, and that’s not just because we want to put on a great show, but also because of our desire to help people respect social distancing requirements,” said Mayor Matt Miller.
The show will begin between 9:30 and 10 p.m. If the evening is clear, then it will likely begin at 9:45 or 10 p.m.
To keep informed, the community is encouraged to tune their radios to WRDL-FM 88.9 at 9:15 p.m for a pre-fireworks show beginning featuring Ashland Mayor Matt Miller and Rotary Club members honoring military veterans and those essential workers impacted by the COViD-19 pandemic.
The program will also include the drawing of the winning ticket in the Rotary Club’s 50-50 Super Raffle that is helping fund the fireworks. The program will also be live on the Rotary Club’s Facebook page and broadcast over the Community Stadium sound system.
During the fireworks, WRDL-FM 88.9 and 101.3 WNCO-FM will broadcast music synchronized to the display.
The Ashland Rotary Club announced plans to continue the fireworks earlier this year when canceling the pre-fireworks entertainment and festivities in Community Stadium due to the pandemic restrictions and need for social distancing. The club asked the community for donations to support the effort, and Ashlanders responded, giving more than ever before to make the display possible.
Seating will not be permitted in the Ashland Community Stadium, the Ashland High School athletic fields and sidewalk, or other areas around Katherine Avenue.
Rather, the Ashland County Fairgrounds will be open to those who wish to park there, and Claremont Avenue is another suggested viewing location.
The Ashland Police and Fire Departments will be present to assist people in finding a safe viewing area.
