By Christine Bryant
Staff Writer
Reynoldsburg will hold fireworks and a parade to celebrate the Fourth of July.
This year’s fireworks will take place at 9:45 p.m. July 3 at Civic Park, 6800 Daugherty Drive. Prior to the fireworks, the park will open at 6 p.m. and host Independence Day festivities that include inflatables, food trucks and live entertainment.
These additional festivities will close at 9 p.m., with the entrance to the park closing to vehicular traffic at 9:15 p.m., said Donna Bauman, director of the parks and recreation department.
At 10 a.m. July 4, the Reynoldsburg Community Association will host an Independence Day parade featuring marching bands, floats, and local businesses, churches, school groups and organizations.
The parade, which will be held rain or shine, will begin at the intersection of East Main Street and Rosehill Road, and travel east to Haft Drive before turning south onto Davidson and ending at Huber Park.
This year’s parade grand marshal is Reynoldsburg City Council member Mel Clemens.
Bobbie Jo Roth, who organizes the Fourth of July parade, said each year parade organizers seek an individual or group from Reynoldsburg who has made a noteworthy contribution to the city, state or country that coincides with the mission of the Reynoldsburg Community Association.
“Mel has been a resident of this community for 64 years serving as a leader by serving to others,” Roth said.
A veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, Clemens helped the community grow from a village to a city, and has served as a Truro Township trustee, Reynoldsburg city council member and service director for the city.
“He has contributed a lifetime of service to this community,” Roth said.
The city of Reynoldsburg’s Fourth of July celebration will include a Children’s decorated bike contest and parade.
The event will take place at 9 a.m. July 4 at First Merchants Bank, located at the corner of Main Street and Briarcliff Road. Judging of the decorated bikes will occur at 9:15 a.m.
Age categories are 5 to 7 years old, 8 to 9 years old, and 10 to 12 years old. Prizes for each age category will be awarded.
After judging, children will lead off the parade, which ends at Huber Park.
Can’t get enough fireworks? Pickerington will hold its fireworks at 10 p.m. July 4 at Victory Park, while Gahanna will hold its at 10 p.m. July 4 at the Gahanna Municipal Golf Course. Pataskala’s is scheduled for July 1 at dusk at Foundation Park, while Granville will hold its at 10 p.m. July 2 at Wildwood Park.
For information, contact the Reynoldsburg Visitors Bureau at (614) 866-4888 or visit reynca.org.
