By Rick Palsgrove
Southeast Editor
The city of Groveport always celebrates the Fourth of July in a big way and it is continuing that tradition this year.
“The Independence Day celebration in Groveport will be as good, if not better, than ever before,” said Groveport Mayor Lance Westcamp. “The event puts a positive spotlight on the city and our residents look forward to it every year. Our celebration is special in that it is the only major small town Independence Day celebration in the area, except for Ashville.”
This year’s day-long celebration will be held on July 4 and kicks off with the children’s parade at 9:30 a.m., which begins at the log house in Heritage Park and ends at Crooked Alley KidSpace, 630 Wirt Road.
The annual Fourth of July parade begins at 11 a.m. The parade starts at Glendening Elementary then turns south on Hendron Road. The parade then turns east on Main Street and proceeds through the city on Main Street. The parade grand marshal will be former Groveport city councilwoman Donna Drury.
Westcamp said the Main Street parade is one of his favorite things about the Fourth of July celebration.
“I like the parade,” said Westcamp. “It’s a time to bring everyone to Main Street. It’s a big attraction that shows off Groveport. Our parade, and then later the fireworks, always draw a big turnout.”
Following the parade there will be music, food, and a variety of activities along Wirt Road including kids’ games, inflatables and bounce houses, and other youth activities.
From noon to 4:30 p.m. there will be music on the main stage that includes special guest singer/songwriter/guitarist Larry Carter. There will also be prize giveaways every hour from 12:30-4:30 p.m.
At 2 p.m. there will be a patriotic painting presentation on the main stage.
The Buckeye State Sanctioned Pedal Tractor Pull will be held at 3 p.m. (Registration for this event starts at 2 p.m. near the main stage.)
From 5-6 p.m. the Groveport Madison High School Cruiser Theatre Company will perform on the main stage.
“We will be performing selections from a variety of both plays and musicals,” said Corey Ragan, Cruiser Theatre Company advisor. “There will be a particular emphasis on shows from last year’s season and a bit from the upcoming season. We will also be performing other pieces that students have prepared and had approved by me. It is a good opportunity for students to perform pieces they are deeply passionate about in a setting that varies from a play or musical.”
Featured musical performers Hard Days Night, a Beatles tribute band, will perform on the main stage from 7:45-9:45 p.m.
The traditional fireworks display will begin at dusk. The fireworks will be set off from the Palm Pond area in Heritage Park.
Sponsors for the Groveport Fourth of July celebration are: the city of Groveport, 1st Service Federal Credit Union, Dynamix Energy Service Co., Franklin Heating and Refrigeration, Tanz&More, Berwick Glass & Mirror, Paper Barn, Local Waste, Petermann Transportation, Norm’s Market, Vector Security Inc., Cross Electric, Groveport Madison Schools, and TurnPoint Church.
