(Posted June 21, 2022)
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.–The Alexander band performs
July 3
2-11 p.m.–Rides and concessions
7 p.m.–Southern Alibi band performs
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 performs
9 p.m.–Drawing for griddle
10 p.m.–Fireworks (rain date July 9)
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. This year’s theme is “Proud to be an American.” For details, contact Bob Harper III at (614) 203-8830.
The Streetfest committee is selling raffle tickets for a Pitt Boss four-burner griddle. Tickets are $5 each and can be purchased at Mike’s Pizza, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7005, West Jefferson Hardware and at Streetfest.
The fireworks will be launched from Hampton Cemetery and can be viewed from Garrette Park.
The committee welcomes 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.
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. The home stands at the high school stadium will be open for seating. The stadium restrooms also will be open.
The parade lines up at 10 a.m. July 4 and steps off at 11. The route runs south on Main Street from Park Avenue to East First Street. Anyone is welcome to participate. Links to the parade application can be found on the city’s website, www.londonohio.gov, and social media pages. Applications and announcer sheets can be mailed or dropped off at the mayor’s office, 20 S. Walnut St., Suite 100. For details, contact Mayor Patrick Closser at (614) 357-5567.
The city has chosen the Friends of Madison County Parks & Trails (FMCPT) as the parade grand marshal. The non-profit volunteer group helps to maintain and improve the bike trail in Madison County and does anything they can to make London a bicycle-friendly community. The group’s goal is to complete and maintain the link of the Ohio To Erie Trail through Madison County as it goes from the Ohio River to Lake Erie.
“We chose to honor the Friends of Madison County Parks & Trails for their overall commitment to the city of London and to the trails. We always get compliments on our trails, and it’s because of them,” Closser said.
FMCPT is working toward garnering an official Trail Town designation for London. Trail Towns are cities and villages that go out of their way to accommodate trail users. The designation would attract more trail users and, therefore, boost the local economy, Closser said.
“Besides what they do for the trails, they’re just a really great group that’s always willing to volunteer for anything. They’re always willing to help out to make the community better,” he added.
• 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 late Darrell Cooper as the parade grand marshal. For years, Cooper participated in many area parades, playing a calliope organ atop a float. He passed away this past year. The calliope will be part of this year’s July 4 parade.
Among the other entries are the Tri County Joint Fire District, Madison-Plains High School marching band, and Mount Sterling American Legion 417 honor guard. Anyone is welcome to participate in the parade. For more information or to register, contact Tom Corbin at (614) 530-3132.
Concessions will be available on town hall lawn before, during and after the parade.
• 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 in uptown Plain City.
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. Awards will go to the most patriotic, best youth, best float, and best animal entries. Visit plain-city.com for an application. Contact Linda Granger, Plain City parks and recreation director, for details at lgranger@plain-city.com.
Rosemary Anderson is the parade grand marshal. Anderson is an active member of the commmunity. She serves as vice president of the Plain City Historical Society.
“She has done lot of work maintaining the history and traditions of the village,” said Haley Lupton, village manager.
The rest of the day’s activities all take place at Pastime Park. Food, games, and bounce houses start at noon. The 23 Southbound band plays at 7 p.m. followed by the Dublin Wind Symphony at 9. The fireworks go off at 9:45.
This year, only handicap parking is available in the park. Other parking is available across street. The village is offering trolley services to and from the park from Plain City Elementary and the village administration building for the afternoon and evening activities.
