Region plans big celebrations with fireworks, food, live music

Editor's note: This version has been updated to remove Bedford Township from the list of area fireworks celebrations. Bedford Township held a fireworks celebration June 22.

Last year's fireworks show in Toledo was over the Maumee River. THE BLADE Enlarge | Buy This Photo

With Independence Day falling on Wednesday this year, the traditional three-day Red, White, KABOOM event in downtown Toledo will be relegated to a single day.

Still, organizers say, it will be a full day of fun.

"It's free. Bring the family," said Mike Mori, event coordinator and advertising director at The Blade, which is co-sponsoring the Fourth of July celebration with the Taylor Automotive Group and Humana Inc.

"There's great food and music all day long, ending with the U.S. Army Jazz Ambassadors, and there will be a lot of great local bands leading up to that," Mr. Mori said.

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Taste of Toledo, which offers a variety of food from local restaurants, kicks off the day at noon Wednesday in Promenade Park. The musical lineup includes Stephen Woolley at 12:30 p.m., Brynn and Emma at 2:30 p.m., In Theory at 3:45 p.m., Buck69 at 5 p.m., Bruce Sims featuring Jesse Coleman & The Jamm at 6:15 p.m., and the U.S. Army Jazz Ambassadors at 8 p.m.

Fireworks synchronized to music broadcast on WXKR-FM, 94.5, will provide the finishing touch at 10 p.m."A lot of work goes into this event -- great thanks to all of our sponsors," Mr. Mori said. "It's a great time to come down and enjoy the riverfront."

Independence Day celebrations elsewhere in the area include:

Bowling Green -- The fireworks celebration will be Tuesday at the Bowling Green State University Intramural Fields, with a concert by the Bowling Green Community Band at 7:30 p.m. in Doyt Perry Stadium and fireworks at dusk. Rain date for the fireworks is Wednesday.

Findlay -- Entertainment and fireworks will be on Tuesday at the Hancock County Fairgrounds, 1017 E. Sandusky St., with gates opening at 4 p.m. Gospel singing at 5 p.m.; food vendors, rock band at 7 p.m., and fireworks at 10 p.m. Rain date for fireworks is Wednesday.

Fremont -- The firing of Civil War cannons punctuates a patriotic concert by the Toledo Symphony Concert Band as the Hayes Presidential Center celebrates the Fourth of July with an outdoor Independence Day Concert from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday. Admission to the concert is free.

Luna Pier -- Annual Fireworks and Garage Sale July 7 at dusk.

Maumee -- The celebration begins at 5 p.m. Tuesday at East Wayne and Conant streets with food and entertainment. Fireworks will be visible from the Maumee-Perrysburg bridge beginning at 10 p.m. The rain date for fireworks only is Wednesday. Perrysburg and Maumee share a fireworks display from the Maumee-Perrysburg Bridge.

Monroe -- As part of the 15th annual River Raisin Independence Festival and Fireworks, fireworks are set for 9:45 p.m. Tuesday at Sterling State Park.

Oregon -- Oregon's Independence Day festival "Boomfest" is today at Oak Shade Grove, 3624 Seaman Rd. A car show will be from 2 to 6 p.m., live music will start at 4 p.m. and will feature a number of bands, including that of Steve Augeri, former lead singer of Journey. Fireworks at dusk.

Perrysburg -- The Star Spangled Banner Celebration will be Tuesday beginning at 4 p.m. with family events, activities, and rides. Fireworks will be visible from the Maumee-Perrysburg bridge beginning at 10 p.m. The rain date for fireworks only is Wednesday. A national salute and drum music will be at Fort Meigs at 2 p.m. Wednesday. The Fort Meigs celebration runs from noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday. Admission is $8 for adults; $7 for seniors, and $5 for students. Free for children younger than 5.

Port Clinton -- Fireworks will begin at dusk Wednesday in Water Works Park.

Swanton -- A celebration will be at the Swanton High School football field, 601 N. Main St., starting at 5 p.m. Saturday. Festivities include carnival attractions, food, games, door prizes, raffles, and fireworks.

Sylvania -- The "Star Spangled Celebration" is Tuesday at Centennial Terrace, 5773 Centennial Rd. The event, from 7 p.m. to midnight, will feature live music, dancing, clowns, children's activities, and refreshments, with fireworks starting at 10. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children 12 and under. Parking at Centennial is $5 per car. For information, call 419-882-1500. The rain date is Wednesday.

Wauseon -- The city's recreation department is sponsoring a homerun derby at 6 p.m., free-throw contest at 7 p.m., and closest-to-the-pin contest at 8 p.m. Wednesday at Dorothy Biddle Park. The fire department's fireworks show begins about 10 p.m.

Washington Township -- Summerfest, the annual fund-raiser for the firefighters, will be from 2 p.m. to midnight Saturday at Shoreland Park. Festivities include live music and food vendors. The annual "Thunder over the Point" fireworks display will be at 10 p.m.

Whitehouse -- The annual Founders Day event begins at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at Village Hall, 6925 Providence St., and ends with fireworks at 10 p.m. The evening features food, kids' activities, and music by Mt. Fugi & the Eruptions.