(Posted June 22, 2023)
By Kristy Zurbrick, Madison Editor
Communities around Madison County are offering up everything from parades and fireworks to rides, games, and food to celebrate the Independence Day holiday.
• West Jefferson
The July 4th Streetfest takes place July 2-4 on South Center and Pearl streets in downtown West Jefferson. Rides, food, entertainment, a parade, and fireworks are planned. The schedule is as follows:
July 2
2-11 p.m.–Rides and concessions
7 p.m.–Southern Alibi Band
July 3
5-11 p.m.–Rides and concessions
7 p.m.–The Alexanders Band
July 4
10 a.m.–Parade forms
11 a.m.–Parade steps off
12-11 p.m.–Rides and concessions
6:30 p.m.–Southern Rock Band
9 p.m.–Drawing for griddle
10 p.m.–Fireworks (rain date July 8)
Anyone who would like to participate in the parade can pick up entry forms at the West Jefferson village water department or Mike’s Pizza, or simply show up the day of the parade to sign up. This year’s theme is “Bold Stripes, Bright Stars, Brave Hearts.” For details, contact Bob Harper III at (614) 203-8830.
The parade will travel east down Main Street, starting with the entries lined up at the municipal swimming pool and picking up other entries at staging locations along the way. The military units will take a left turn onto Center Street. The rest of the parade will continue east on Main Street to the Dollar Store parking lot where the parade will disassemble.
Big O Entertainment returns this year with traditional mechanical rides.
The fireworks will be launched from Hampton Cemetery and can be viewed from Garrette Park.
The Streetfest committee is selling raffle tickets for a Weber Q3200 propane titanium grill. Tickets are $5 each and can be purchased at Mike’s Pizza, West Jefferson Hardware, and at the streetfest.
The committee welcomes monetary donations to help offset expenses associated with putting on the Streetfest. Checks can be made out to “West Jefferson July 4th Streetfest Inc.” and mailed to 880 Crescent Dr., West Jefferson OH 43162. Donations also can be dropped off at the information tent during the streetfest.
To reserve a crafter space, call Terry at (614) 507-3155. For general questions about the streetfest, call Bob Harper at (614) 879-8840.
• London
London’s patriotic celebration includes fireworks on July 3 and a parade on July 4.
The fireworks are set to go off at dusk on July 3 at London High School, 336 Elm St. The home stands at the high school stadium will be open for seating. Visitors also can watch the fireworks from the parking lot.
The parade lines up at 10 a.m. July 4 on Park Avenue and steps off at 11. The route runs south on Main Street to East First Street and ends at Walnut Street. For details, call Mayor Patrick Closser at (614) 357-5567.
“We’re looking for another great turnout with over 50 entries. This parade is one of the best parades around,” Closser said.
The city has chosen Leah Baird as the parade grand marshal. Baird, a London resident, recently retired after 40 years with LifecareAlliance’s Meals On Wheels program. She served as coordinator for Madison County for 33 of those years.
“Leah has done so much for the community, especially with Meals on Wheels, but she’s also someone you can call and she will help with any non-profit. She is a staple in the community,” Closser said.
• Plain City
Plain City’s Independence Day festivities are taking place on July 4. They kick off with opening day of the Plain City Farmers Market from 9 a.m. to noon at the intersection of Chillicothe and Main streets.
The parade is set for 10 a.m. with lineup at 9 a.m. at the north entrance to Pastime Park. The route runs south on Chillicothe Street, right on Main Street, and right on Park Street back to the park’s south entrance. Awards will go to the most patriotic, best youth, and best float entries. Visit Parade Sign-Up.
The rest of the day’s activities all take place at Pastime Park. Food trucks, a mechanical bull, children’s games, a deejay, face painting, and bounce houses run from noon to 9 p.m. The Jay Clark Band will perform a variety of songs from different genres from 7:30 to 9:30, followed by the fireworks at 9:45.
Starting at noon, only handicap parking is available in the park; a valid handicap placard must be displayed. Other parking is available across the street from the park’s north entrance. Additionally, from 5 to 11 p.m., the village is offering shuttle rides to and from the park. Shuttle stations are at Plain City Elementary, 580 S. Chillicothe St., and the village administration building, 800 Village Blvd.
• Mount Sterling
The Mount Sterling Chamber of Commerce is hosting a parade on July 4. Lineup starts at 9 a.m. at the Mount Sterling Community Center, 164 E. Main St. The parade steps off at 10. From the Community Center, the parade route goes right on Main Street, left on Clevenger Avenue, left on Columbus Street, left onto London Street, right on Houston Street, right on High Street, then left back into the Community Center.
The Chamber is honoring the Tri-County Joint Fire District and the Sterling Joint Ambulance District as the parade grand marshals for their longtime service to the community.
Anyone is welcome to participate in the parade. Registration is appreciated but not required. Entrants can register the day of the parade just by showing up at 9 a.m. for lineup. There is no cost to participate. For more information or to register, contact Tom Corbin at (614) 530-3132.
The Mount Sterling Eagles Youth League will sell concessions on the town hall lawn before and after the parade.
