ASHLAND — Fireworks, Wifflefest and parades will abound in Ashland County as the Fourth of July holiday looms.
The annual holiday falls on Thursday this year. We’ve got your rundown below. Read on for details.
Push ‘Em Pull ‘Em Parade
Ashland Main Street and Substance Church are pairing for a “Push ‘Em Pull ‘Em” parade that’ll take over downtown on the morning of the Fourth.
According to a Facebook page for the event, registration for the event begins at 9 a.m. in front of Substance Church at 101 South Street. The parade begins at 10 a.m.
It will follow a route from South Street, to Center Street, to Walnut Street, to Luther Street and ending back on South Street.
Children should join in on scooters, bikes, strollers, wagons and other non-electric “conveyances,” the event page states. Children six and under must be accompanied by an adult to participate in the parade.
Participants are also encouraged to wear patriotic garb and to decorate their entries for the holiday.
All participants will receive a button. Prizes will be handed out for the following categories:
- Most Patriotic Attire (child)
- Most Patriotic Attire (adult)
- Best Decorated Bike, Scooter, Tricycle or Wagon (five and under)
- Best Decorated Bike, Scooter, Tricycle or Wagon (six and over)
Wifflefest
Held at Southview Grace Brethren Church, the annual Wifflefest is back for its 25th year. The event goes from July 4 to 6.
July 4 will be the adult tournament, starting at 9 a.m. The high school tournament takes place July 5 at 5 p.m.
July 6 holds the elementary tournament at 9 a.m., followed by the middle school tournament at 4 p.m.
Teams can register for $30. Click here to register a team.
Moonlight Serenaders Big Band
The latest event in the lineup for the Guy C. Meyers Memorial Bandshell concert series falls on the Fourth too.
It’ll feature the Moonlight Serenaders Big Band. The orchestra, established in Akron in 1951, aims to revive the essence of the Original Big Band era.
The Moonlight Serenaders website calls it Akron’s longest continuously performing band, and states the Swing Era that predated World War II serves as musical inspiration for the band.
It formed “in hopes of keeping the Big Band sound alive in the hearts and memories of thousands of servicemen and their families.”
According to previous Ashland Source reporting, the musicians in the band have a “patriotic program” in store.
The concert is free for spectators, and the bandshell is located at 209 Parkside Drive in Brookside Park. It kicks off at 8 p.m.
Ashland County fireworks
There are a few options to see fireworks for the Fourth in Ashland County.
Ashland
The Rotary Club of Ashland plans to host its annual fireworks show on the Fourth at Freer Field.
It was originally supposed to take place at Community Stadium. The location changed Friday afternoon, according to Mayor Matt Miller.
The firework show will begin at 9:30 p.m.
Those interested in watching the show are invited to bring blankets and lawn chairs to Freer Field.
The show will also be live on WRDL, the student-run radio station at Ashland University, and on 101.3 WNCO.
People can also purchase 50/50 raffle tickets on the Rotary website.
Loudonville Independence Day Fireworks
Loudonville’s fireworks show will be at Riverside Park.
The event is organized by the Loudonville Mohican Chamber of Commerce, and the American Legion Post 257 is the main sponsor for the show.
The fireworks will start at 9:30 p.m.