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Groveport readies for Independence Day fun
(by Rick Palsgrove, Southeast Editor - June 30, 2010)
The village of Groveport scaled back its funding of its annual Independence Day celebration due to budget constraints, but, in true community spirit, a local organization came forward for the second year to provide fun and entertainment on the holiday.
The village is still supporting the traditional parade and fireworks, but has financially backed off providing other celebratory activities for Independence Day.
However, on July 3, from immediately following the parade to the fireworks, the Groveport Youth Athletic Association (GYAA), with the help of parent volunteers, will present "Red, White and Blue, have fun with GYAA 2," at Groveport Elementary, 715 Main St.
"The GYAA stepped up after the village was unable to provide a community event for the Fourth," said Bobette Yocum of the GYAA. "We wanted to help residents have a memorable community centered holiday."
The GYAA event will feature inflatables, a dunk tank, tug of war, face painting, a volleyball tournament at 4 p.m., as well as hot dog and pie eating contests at 5 p.m. and 6 p.m.
A DJ will spin music and the community will try to set a record of 500 participants doing two line dances at 8 p.m.
"Be sure to come out and participate!" said Yocum.
To register for the six man volleyball tourney ($25 per team), or the hot dog eating (teens and adults only), or pie eating contest (kids only, $5 per participant), e-mail gyaa_email@yahoo.com. Include your name or your team name and team members' names. All money must be paid prior to 3 p.m. on July 3 at the concession stand at Groveport Elementary. You may also register at the concession stand Monday through Friday from 6-8 p.m. prior to July 3. The contests will pay out a 50/50 to the winning individual or team in cash prizes. Space in the eating contests is limited.
There will also be lots to munch on while you celebrate America's independence.
"The concession stand will offer mouthwatering cheeseburgers, brats, nachos, snow cones and much, much more," said Yocum.
The GYAA will sell wristbands for all day activities for $6.
All proceeds will go to the youth athletic programs to help defer costs such as maintaining fields, equipment, and uniforms.
"Please come out and support your local youth," said Yocum. "They need you to remember 'Red, White and Blue with GYAA 2!' What better way to spend your day than supporting 'Where kids come first.'"
Interested community volunteers are encouraged to e-mail the GYAA at gyaa_email@yahoo.com.
Independence Day in Groveport
•July 3 at 1:30 p.m. - Parade starts at Glendening Elementary to Hendron Road to Main Street to Groveport Junior High.
•July 3 at 10 a.m. - Children's Parade starts at Groveport Elementary to Main Street to Oak Street to Kidspace (prizes handed out at KidSpace).
•July 3 at noon - Groveport Garden Club flower show at Groveport Town Hall, 648 Main St.
•July 3 following the parade until the fireworks - "Red, White, and Blue, have fun with GYAA 2" at Groveport Elementary.
•July 3 at dusk - Fireworks display fired off behind Palm Pond at Heritage Park on Wirt Road.
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