MANSFIELD — Independence Day is right around the corner and with it, a variety of community parades, festivals and fireworks shows.
Mark your calendars now — since the 4th of July falls in the middle of the week, several classic events begin this weekend.
We’ve got a full breakdown below.
Ontario 4th of July Festival
The Ontario 4th of July Festival takes place Friday and Saturday in Marshall Park. Expect fair food vendors, live music, a 5K Run, games, contests, a raffle, kid’s activities and the area’s largest fireworks display.
June 28
Friday festivities will include the Ontario Car Show from 5:15 to 8 p.m. and a corn hole tournament at 6 p.m.
Fair food trucks will have items for sale starting at 6 p.m.
June 29
Saturday’s events kick off at 8:30 a.m. with the Ontario Liberty 5K Run. The run begins in front of the high school; registration opens at 7:15 a.m.
The Patriotic Pooch Parade starts Saturday at 3 p.m. The 4th of July parade will follow at 3:30 p.m. Both parades will begin at the north entrance to Ontario High School, proceed south on Shelby-Ontario Road, turn on to Dunlap Road and continue to Marshall Park, ending at the soccer fields.
Saturday will also feature performances by The Groove Brothers Band at 5:30 p.m. and Shucking Bubba Deluxe at 8 p.m. Lexington’s sister trio Sorelle will perform the National Anthem at 9:55 p.m.
The festival will end with a fireworks show, which starts at 10:10 p.m.
For more information and the full event schedule, visit ontario4thofjulyfestival.com.
Light Up the Valley in Bellville
Light Up the Valley will take place June 30 at Bellville Elementary from noon to 10 p.m. The free event will feature 14 food trucks, live music and fireworks.
Families are invited to bring lawn chairs, games and picnic blankets. Food vendors will begin sales at noon. DJ Bob Casey will provide music from 2 to 4 p.m. Jody Odom will perform from 4 to 6 p.m., followed by Preston Cooper from 7 to 10 p.m. Fireworks begin at 10 p.m.
Hines Avenue will be closed June 30. Handicap parking is available at the ballfields.
Food vendors include Grunt Grub, Truckin’ Trav, On the Rise BBQ, Grant’s Concessions, DiRussos Sausage, Dough Pros, the Dairy Belle, Dine & Dash, Hoskins Foods, Tall Timber Inn, Black Willow, Panchos Tacos, Kurtz Family Food and Athena Gyros Express.
Light Up the Valley is a registered 501c3 and the event is funded via charitable donations. To donate or purchase a ticket for the Stratford Guns & Gunsmithing gift card raffle, visit lightupthevalley.com.
Run for Liberty 3K run/walk
Hosted by the Friends of Liberty Park, this annual color run raises funds for improvements at Liberty Park in Mansfield.
The in-person race will be July 6 at 10 a.m. Participants can also participate virtually by completely submitting pictures and completing the run during the month of July. Registration is $20 and free for kids 13 and younger.
Click here for registration and more information.
Crestline fireworks & Bellville parade
The Crestline Community Development Team will have a fireworks show on July 3 at 10 p.m. The fireworks will be shot off at the old Hutson Stadium, but there will be no admission into the stadium. Spectators should park nearby to take in the show.
Bellville will have its Independence Day parade on July 4 at 11 a.m. The parade will proceed south down Main Street and end at Stoodt’s Fresh Market.
Charles Mill Lake hosts Red, White & Blue Celebration July 4 thru 7
This multi-day celebration includes activities family-friendly events, a catfish tournament and fireworks. The full schedule is listed below:
July 4
1 p.m. Kid’s Water Games: Play water games at the Eagle Point pool, including swim through a hoop, duck push, ride a noodle, blow a ping pong ball, and more for ages 6 to 12.
3 p.m. Carnival Games: Participate in the fun at Messerly Recreation Center and win prizes. Cost: $3 for 10 tickets, cash only. All ages are welcome.
5 p.m. Traveling Program and Craft: Keep a look out for program staff on Charles Mill carts as they travel through the campsites passing out event information and a fun kid’s craft.
7:30 p.m. KENO Night: Join us at the Messerly Recreation Center to play Charles Mill Keno, which is like BINGO. The theme and prizes for the night will be candy focused.
July 5
10:30 a.m. Coffee and Donuts Social: Meet with your camp friends at Messerly Recreation Center. Chat while enjoying breakfast. Donations will be accepted. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
2 p.m. T-shirt Tie Dye: Make a colorful creation in the grass by the Messerly Recreation Center. T-shirts will be available to purchase for $10 each, cash only. Children and Adults welcome, sizes first come, first served.
4 p.m. American Golf Cart Parade: Decorate your golf cart for a patriotic parade through the campgrounds. Events will start at 4 p.m. in the Messerly Building parking area or Eagle Pool area. Enter your cart in a prize drawing where your creativity, spirit and adventure may be rewarded.
5 p.m. Catfish Tournament: Find the biggest fish and/or catch three fish for top weight. Registration opens at 4:30 p.m. at the Ohio 430 public launch ramp. The cost is $15 per two-person team, $8 per individual, and $5 for the Big Catfish Contest. All Fisherman must report for weigh-in by 10 p.m.
7:30 p.m. Family BINGO: Enjoy time with family and friends in the Messerly Recreation Center and take home some patriotic gear during this Red, White, and Blue Theme event.
9 p.m. Glow Night Parade: Don your best glow stick accessories and meet at Eagle Point Shelter.
“We will parade around the circle in a group to show off our fabulous looks,” organizers said.
July 6
11 a.m. Patriotic Craft for Adults: The Messerly Recreation Center will be set up to create a red, white, and blue paver, or a red, white, and blue clay pot with light. Cost is $10 per person, limited to 12 participants. Registration is required at www.MWCD.org/tickets
1:30 p.m. Patriotic Craft for Kids: Join us at Eagle Point pool area to be creative and celebrate the holiday.
3 p.m. Adult Cornhole Contest: Grab a partner compete for first and second-place prizes. The cost is $5 per team. Those interested should meet at the Main Camp cornhole area by the bocce ball courts.
6 p.m. Beach Game Time: Head to the beach to play the game Musical Ice Chair. Then check out the concession stand for glow-in-the-dark items and Tay’s Concession for food.
7 p.m. LIVE Music: The Blue Limestone Project: Enjoy a live musical performance at the beach.
Around 10 p.m. Fireworks Over the Lake: Enjoy a spectacular fireworks display over the lake. Fireworks will begin at dusk and can be viewed from a boat or on land. Fireworks are set off near the swim beach.
July 7
10:15 a.m. Non-denominational Church Service: All are welcome to participate in this church service at Messerly Recreation Center.