Fourth of July festivities set for 3 communities

7/3/2012

Several suburban communities are planning Fourth of July holiday festivities full of fireworks and fun throughout the region.

In Waterville, where a grand fireworks display was once extinct because of money woes, volunteers successfully raised enough money to bring back the boom this year.

Wednesday's fireworks celebration will include a community party.

A Red, White, and Boom family festival will be held from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Waterville Primary School, 457 Sycamore Lane.

The free event features live music, 12 carnival games, six inflatable toys, henna and face painting, and a comedy act. Available for purchase will be ice cream; Red, White, and Boom T-shirts; and glow necklaces. Proceeds are to go toward next year's fireworks. Hot dogs, kettle corn, funnel cakes, and desserts also will be available for purchase.

"It has been an exciting time. A lot of people in the community have come to make this happen," said volunteer Debby Sniderhan. "It's truly going to be a family event."

After the festival, fireworks start at 10 p.m.

Organizers raised about $23,000 to put on the fireworks and festival with at least $4,000 additional earmarked for the fireworks fund-raising campaign next year, organizers said.

The Waterville fireworks show was canceled in 2010 as a city cost-cutting measure.

Maumee and Perrysburg are putting on a joint fireworks show today on the bridge over the Maumee River.

The fireworks are scheduled to start at dark, around 10 p.m.

To mark the War of 1812's anniversary, a three-minute preshow fireworks display worthy of a grand finale will take place.

Prefestivities also include a Maumee community picnic from 5 to 9 p.m. in the 100 block of East Wayne Street and an 8 p.m. Star Spangled Banner Concert by the Academy Brass Quintet on the lawn outside Fort Meigs, 29100 W. River Rd. in Perrysburg.

-- Gabrielle Russon