ASHLAND — A daylong birthday bash is planned Saturday in Ashland to celebrate America’s semiquincentennial.
Activities will start near downtown as “America’s 250th Birthday Bash Parade” begins its route at 10 a.m. at Claremont and College avenues. The parade will travel north and turn onto East Main Street, continuing through to Union Street.
It will also be livestreamed on the city of Ashland Facebook and YouTube pages.
2 p.m. – Freedom Park and monument dedication
A few hours after the parade, a dedication ceremony for Freedom Park and monument is planned for 2 p.m. in the Pump House District.
Six pillars — one for each branch of the United States Armed Forces — make up the overall monument. Each granite pillar — shaped like the Washington Monument — is approximately 200 inches tall (about 17 feet), according to Mayor Matt Miller.
“I don’t think you’ll want to miss it,” Miller previously said June 16.
Coinciding with the country’s 250th birthday, the city has been recruiting 250 veterans and active-duty service members to play a special role in the July 4 dedication.
The ceremony will be livestreamed on the city of Ashland Facebook and YouTube pages.
According to city officials, attendees are encouraged to use parking lots around the Pump House District and congregate near Freedom Park on 4th Street, between Orange and Union streets (this portion of 4th Street will be closed).
Veterans and active-duty service members registered to participate in the ceremony will receive special parking instructions.
5 p.m. – Birthday bash and fireworks display
All events lead up to a community birthday party and fireworks display at Freer Field starting at 5 p.m.
Planned entertainment and amenities include live music, food trailers and a live radio show featuring area leaders and special guests. Parking and seating areas will be available on site.
Tom’s Kitchen Table and Rare Vintage will be providing live entertainment for the evening and will take the stage at 5:30 p.m. Some “special birthday surprises” are planned throughout the evening and fireworks will begin at approximately 10 p.m., city officials said Wednesday.
Freer Field will open for parking at 4:30 p.m., according to city officials.
The grand finale will boast what officials have said will be the largest fireworks display in Ashland County’s history.
Below is a map highlighting the entrance and exit for parking at Freer Field on July 4, provided by the city of Ashland. The map also marks locations for restrooms, handicap parking and the entertainment stage.
