(Posted June 25, 2018)
By Kristy Zurbrick, Madison Editor
The status of London’s fireworks display is up in the air.
“We are desperately in need of funds,” said Melissa Noble, coordinator of the London Patriotic Celebration committee. “Chances are we will have fireworks, but they just might be smaller if we don’t get enough funding.”
Since 2006, the committee has relied on local businesses to sponsor the fireworks. Many of those businesses are hit up often to donate to various community events and projects. To ease the burden on local businesses, the committee is asking for donations from the public at large.
“About 10,000 people live in London. If 1,000 of them gave $10 each, we could have a nice display,” she said.
Donations can be made online via the “London Ohio Patriotic Celebration” page on Facebook (look for the gofundme link), by mail (P.O. Box 367, London OH 43140), or at Wilson Printing & Graphics (158 S. Main St., London).
No matter what happens with the fireworks, the London City Schools Athletic Boosters will host their annual Raider Nation Fun Fest from 6 to 9 p.m. July 3 on the football field at the high school. The event features bounce houses and children’s games. Wristbands are $10. The Music Boosters will sell concessions.
If funding comes together for the fireworks, the display will start at dusk on July 3 at the high school. Admission is free to see the display.
A parade will take place on July 4. Line-up starts at 10 a.m. on Park Avenue, from North Main Street to Walnut Street, and in the Park Avenue Medical Center parking lot. The parade steps off at 11 a.m. from Park Avenue, then heads south on Main Street, east on East First Street, and ends at Walnut Street.
Those interested in being in the parade must send in a registration form and announcer sheet by June 28. Stop by the city administration office at 6 E. Second St. for forms or contact Mayor Patrick Closser at (614) 357-5567.
Plain City
Plain City’s Independence Day celebration is set for July 4. Highlights include a parade at 3 p.m., live music, and fireworks at 9:45. For details, call the village offices at (614) 873-3527.
West Jefferson
West Jefferson’s July 4th Streetfest is slated for July 2-4 on South Center and Pearl streets. Rides, food, entertainment, a parade and fireworks are planned.
On July 2-3, rides and food are open from 5 to 11 p.m. Southern Alibi performs at 7 p.m. July 2. The Alexanders perform at 7 p.m. July 3.
On July 4, a parade forms at 10 a.m. and steps off at 11 a.m. Car show registration starts at 1 p.m., rides and food are open from 1 to 11 p.m., and Southern Rock performs at 6:30. A $1,000 raffle drawing is set for 9. The fireworks go off at 10 (rain date July 7).
Tickets for the cash drawing are $5 each and can be purchased at Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7005, Mike’s Pizza, and at the Streetfest.
For more information, all (614) 879-8840.
