By Rick Palsgrove
Groveport Editor
Madison Christian’s parade float in last year’s parade was adorned with beautiful blue and white balloons.
It will be another fun filled Fourth of July in Groveport this year.
“I enjoy families gathering, alumni returning, and the community coming together,” said Groveport Mayor Lance Westcamp.
This year’s celebration features the traditional Main Street parade, a kids’ parade, music, food vendors, family activities, and fireworks on July 4.
“New to the event this year will be an entertainment tent so the audience will have a cooler, shaded area to enjoy the bands,” said Groveport Community Affairs Director Jessica Wyke. “The kids activities have been extended until 7 p.m., which is three hours longer than last year. Also, this will be our music headliner’s first time performing in Groveport, The Sensational Soul Brothers.”
The Main Street parade will start at 11 a.m. on July 4. Staging for the parade will be at the Groveport Recreation Center. The parade will start at Richardson Road and travel west on Main Street, then turn right onto Hendron Road and end at Glendening Elementary.
This year’s parade grand marshals recognizes the city’s 100-year-old residents.
“Mayor Lance Westcamp chose the parade grand marshals because he wants to, ‘Celebrate Groveport’s centenarians and their invaluable contributions to our community,’” said Wyke.
The parade grand marshals are Lily Franks, Betty McNeal, and Dottie Dillman.
“Each of these long-time Groveport residents are 100 plus years young,” said Wyke.
The fireworks will be launched at dusk on July 4 from Palm Pond in Heritage Park on Wirt Road. Tune into radio frequency 88.3 to hear background music during the fireworks.
Musical entertainment on July 4 begins on the main stage along Wirt Road with Krash Landing from 2-3:30 p.m.; Hang Time from 4-5:30 p.m.; Whiskey Ridge from 6-7:30 p.m.; and The Sensational Soul Brothers from 8-9:45 p.m.
“A few things you won’t want to miss will be the kids’ parade kicking off the day, talented local entertainment starting at 2 p.m., and a variety of delicious food trucks. There’s something for everyone,” said Wyke.
Food vendors and family activities following the Main Street parade will be located along Wirt Road.
The Red, White & Kids parade will take place July 4 with staging at 10 a.m. in the Middle School Central, 751 Main St., parking lot. Kids can decorate their bikes, wagons, and scooters in red, white, and blue. The kids’ parade begins at 10:30 a.m. at Middle School Central, then proceeds west on Main Street, south on Oak Street to Crooked Alley Alley KidSpace, 630 Wirt Road.
Per a city ordinance, no animals are permitted in the festival event areas at any time during the city’s Fourth of July celebration.
