The rocket's red glare: a 2023 guide to Independence Day celebrations and fireworks in the 419 - Toledo City Paper (2024)

The rocket's red glare: a 2023 guide to Independence Day celebrations and fireworks in the 419 - Toledo City Paper (1)

Seeking to celebrate Independence Day in northwest Ohio? A plethora of free festivals offer food, family, fun and festivities. And lots of fireworks.

Friday, June 30

Whitehouse’s Founder’s Day Fireworks. 9:30-11pm. Blue Creek Metropark, 7035 Providence St. whitehouseoh.gov/event/founders-day-fireworks-2023

Saturday, July 1

Woodville’s 81st Fourth of July Celebration. Noon-11pm. Fireworks at 10pm. On South Cherry St. between Erie and Fort Findlay Rd. woodville4th.com

Springfield Township’s Fireworks at Homecoming Park. 5-11pm. 7807 Angola Rd., Holland. springfieldtownship.net/event/fireworks

BBQ Boom Bash at The Heights. Beginning at 5pm. 444 N. Summit St. VIP access to patio seating, outdoor games, private bar and buffet, and a great view of Toledo’s fireworks display. $50 per person, reservations can be made on Open Table. 419-243-7565.

Members Only Fireworks Viewing Party at Museum of the Great Lakes. Beginning at 6pm. 1701 Front St. The Museum Ship and Great Lakes Maritime Park opens for registered members to find a viewing spot. Bring chairs, blankets and picnic items to enjoy the river view while waiting for fireworks to begin. Members may bring a guest for $15 each, limit two guests per membership. 419-214-5000. nmgl.org/event/fireworks-at-the-national-museum-of-the-great-lakes

Red, White & Brew at Maumee Bay Brewing Company. 7-11pm. 27 Broadway St. Enjoy food, drinks and music in Growler Park (lawn area) while watching the City of Toledo fireworks display. Free. mbaybrew.com

The Commonheart: City of Toledo Fireworks Celebration Concert. 7:30pm. 983 Front St. The energetic roots-soul band from Pittsburgh will perform a free concert on the event lawn at Glass City Metropark. No reservations required; public fireworks display will follow. Concert sponsored by Greater Toledo Community Foundation. metroparkstoledo.com/musicingreenspaces

Fireworks in the 419. 10pm. Promenade Park, International Park and Glass City Metropark will be open for residents to watch fireworks. Groups are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy the show. TARTA is offering special event transportation to Fireworks in the 419 from Franklin Park Mall, for a $3 round trip. Trips downtown will leave Franklin Park every 30 minutes from 8-10pm, and rides back to Franklin Park from Jackson and N. St. Clair streets will begin 20 minutes after the conclusion of the fireworks display. visittoledo.org/events/fireworks-in-the-419

Fremont 4th of July Parade and Fireworks. Parade begins at 10am at Front & State, proceeds down Tiffin St. and concludes in Rodger Young Park. Fireworks take place at 10pm and will be launched from Walsh Park at 610 Morrison St. but can be viewed from Rodger Young Park at 1111 Tiffin St. No personal fireworks permitted. fremontohio.org/residents/calendar

Sunday, July 2

Clyde Fourth of July Festivities & Fireworks. 8am-10pm. Fourth of July festivities will be at Community Park with the annual Fireworks Display to follow at dusk. Fireworks will be shot from the Clyde Reservoir. 246 South St., Clyde. clydeohio.org/Calendar.aspx?EID=628

Monday, July 3

BG Boom Festival and Fireworks at the Wood County Fairgrounds. 4-9pm. 13800 W. Poe Rd., BG. Food trucks on site, the Community Band plays at 8pm, and the fireworks begin at dusk. facebook.com/events/234961325845348/

Findlay/Hancock County Lighting Up the Sky Independence Day Fireworks. 4-11pm. Findlay and Hancock County’s annual Fourth of July Fireworks Show take place annually on July 3 at 10pm. Local band The Cherry Bombs will play family-friendly hits from the 70s, 80s and 90s. Food trucks will be on-site starting at 4pm. Admission and parking are free. visitfindlay.com/event/lighting-up-the-sky-independence-day-fireworks/2023-07-03

Uptown Maumee Family Picnic. 5-9pm. 100 Conant St. Before fireworks blast off from Ft. Meigs Memorial Bridge, enjoy a family-friendly picnic. Food trucks and inflatables will be available. TARTA will offer shuttles to the festivities for $1.50 per ride or $3 for a day pass, running from 1-11:30pm between the Lucas County Recreation Center at 2901 Key Street in Maumee, to the corner of E. John and Conant Streets and back. maumeeuptown.com/july-3rd-fireworks-picnic/

City of Wauseon’s 4th of July Celebration. 5-11pm. Festivities at Biddle Park will include bounce houses, food vendors and fireworks. Fireworks begin at 11pm. 900 N. Glenwood, Wauseon. facebook.com/cityofwauseon

Oak Harbor Independence Day Celebration. 5-11pm. Includes food vendors, entertainment, inflatables, a duck race, and fireworks. oakharborohio.net/partnership/independence-day-celebration

Sylvania’s Star Spangled Celebration at Centennial Terrace. 7-11pm. 5773 Centennial Rd., Sylvania. Concessions will be available and 56 Daze will provide entertainment. Admission fee $6 adults, $4 children under 12. No carry-in food or beverages allowed at Centennial Terrace. Fireworks begin at 10pm and a simulcast will be aired on 101.5 The River. Fireworks can also be viewed from Sylvania Pacesetter Park, 8801 Sylvania-Metamora Rd. $5 parking fee in both lots. centennialterrace.org/event/star-spangled-celebration

Maumee and Perrysburg Fort Meigs Fireworks. From 9:30-10:30pm. Fireworks will begin at dusk. Fort Meigs, at 29100 W. River Rd. will allow visitors on site to view the fireworks display. Food trucks will be available. ci.perrysburg.oh.us/news_detail_T5_R96.php

Tuesday, July 4

Red, White & Vroom in Port Clinton. 9am-11pm. All-day festivities include a run/walk 5k, a car, truck and cycle show, ice cream social, community choir concert, dance party and duck race. Fireworks begin at 10pm at Waterworks Park. 205 E. Perry St. facebook.com/PortClintonArea4thOfJulyCelebration

Independence Day 1813 at Fort Meigs. 9:30am-5pm. A historic recreation of Independence Day 1813 with weapons demos, historic music performances and civilian activities. $10 adults, $8 seniors, $5 children, free for children under 5, Fort Meigs Annual Pass holders and Ohio History Connection members. fortmeigs.org/independence

4th of July celebration in Portage. 11am-dusk. Parade begins at 11am from the north end of the village and proceeds to Enright Park. Throughout the day, enjoy a car show, games, craft vendors, live music, food vendors and bake sale. Fireworks begin at dusk. facebook.com/events/555721890028922

Public reading of the Declaration of Independence at Hood Park. Noon. 105 W. Front St., Perrysburg. Free copies of the Declaration will be distributed to attendees. nwocc.org

Wooster 4th of July Fireworks Festival and Celebration. 5-10:30pm. Please join the celebration Tuesday, July 4th, 2023 at the Burbank/Oldman Rd soccer field for food, fun and family entertainment. 330-464-6305. wccvb.com/events/wooster-4th-july-fireworks-festival-and-celebration

Freedom Feast at Fifth Third Field. 7-10pm. 406 Washington St. This feast in Home Run Terrace includes hot dogs, chili dogs, chips, cookies and more. $28 per person includes a game ticket. Fireworks will follow the game. milb.com/toledo/tickets/dinners-and-tastings

Fireworks in Lakeside: Head down to the lakefront for a spectacular finale to the Fourth of July holiday with fireworks at 9:45pm. A Rescue Marine barge will be used to launch the fireworks from the water for a wide viewing area. lakesideohio.com/events/fireworks

Put-in-Bay Fireworks over the Lake Erie harbor. 10pm. visitputinbay.com/events/july-4-put-in-bay/

Light Up the Point in Sandusky: Fireworks display at Cedar Point Beach at dusk. cedarpoint.com/events/light-up-the-point

Friday, July 7

Defiance Fireworks Celebration. 4-9pm. Celebrate Independence Day at the confluence of the Maumee and Auglaize Rivers. Enjoy delicious food and children’s activities from 4-9pm at Kingsbury Park before the fireworks begin at dusk. Watch them from Pontiac Park, Kingsbury Park, or the Fort Grounds. visitdefianceohio.com/defiance-fireworks-celebration

Friday, July 14

Fireworks at the Delta Chicken Festival. 10:30pm at Delta Park. 505 Fernwood St. deltachickenfestival.com

The rocket's red glare: a 2023 guide to Independence Day celebrations and fireworks in the 419 - Toledo City Paper (2024)

FAQs

Where to park for toledo fireworks? ›

Street parking will be scarce, but free. Park and walk to Promenade Park and spread out along the riverfront for the best view. People can also view the fireworks from Hensville park, and across the river at Glass City Metropark there is ample parking and space to spread out and enjoy the display.

What is the meaning of fireworks on Independence Day? ›

The tradition of setting off fireworks on the 4 of July began in Philadelphia on July 4, 1777, during the first organized celebration of Independence Day. Ship's cannon fired a 13-gun salute in honor of the 13 colonies.

What special importance do fireworks have in Fourth of July celebrations in the US? ›

Early U.S. settlers brought their love of fireworks with them to the New World and fireworks were part of the very first Independence Day – a tradition that continues every 4th of July when we celebrate as John Adams had hoped “with pomp, parade….

What is the day that most people in the USA associate with fireworks? ›

Fireworks displays, such as these over the Washington Monument in 1986, take place annually across the United States on July 4th, known as Independence Day.

Where can I watch fireworks in Toledo? ›

Join us on the riverfront for the city's annual fireworks celebration! Fireworks will begin at dark. There is great viewing from both sides of the river. Park on the side of downtown closest to your home or next destination after the fireworks.

Where can I watch fireworks in Park City? ›

Where to Watch Park City 4th of July Fireworks
  • Park City Mountain Resort. The 4th of July is celebrated in Park City through a day-long event that stretches across the majority of downtown. ...
  • Aerie Subdivision. ...
  • Spence Eccles Olympic Freestyle Pool. ...
  • Book Your Stay.

What is the true meaning of Independence Day? ›

Also called the Fourth of July, Independence Day marks the historic date in 1776 when the Declaration of Independence was approved by the Continental Congress. The written declaration stated that the American colonies were tired of being ruled by Great Britain.

Are fireworks bad for the environment? ›

DO FIREWORKS CAUSE POLLUTION? Fireworks cause extensive air pollution in a short amount of time, leaving metal particles, dangerous toxins, harmful chemicals, and smoke in the air for days. When ignited, these materials produce fine particles and gasses that can contribute to air pollution.

What states sell the most fireworks? ›

Missourians spend the most on fireworks out of all Americans, report shows. Missouri beat out all other states in terms of firework spending last year, with sales totaling nearly $125.9 million.

Where is the biggest firework show in the US? ›

New York City. The annual Macy's 4th of July Fireworks celebration in New York City is the country's largest pyrotechnic show, with fireworks shot from multiple barges along the East River near the Brooklyn Bridge. In addition to fireworks, the event features performances by A-list artists.

Who invented fireworks? ›

The earliest fireworks came from China during the Song dynasty (960–1279).

What time is free parking in downtown Toledo? ›

Parking in Toledo

On-street parking in downtown Toledo is enforced Monday through Friday from 8am to 11 am and from 2pm to 5pm. Feed the parking meters with coins, $0.25 for every 15 minutes, but don't exceed the maximum stay limit– 2 hours. Parking is free outside of these hours and on holidays.

Where to park when visiting Toledo? ›

8 Car parks in Toledo
  • Miradero PARKIA.
  • INDIGO Recaredo.
  • INDIGO Corralillo de San Miguel.
  • INDIGO Bruselas.
  • TODOPARKING Toledo.
  • SABA Estación Toledo.
  • IC Juzgados.
  • IC Ciudad de Nara.

Can you set off fireworks in Toledo Ohio? ›

The only legal kind of fireworks you can use in Toledo are novelty items like poppers, smoke bombs, snaps and sparklers.

Where do you park for Toledo Imagination Station? ›

We recommend the following ParkSmart garages:
  • Vistula Garage: 610 N. Superior St.
  • Superior Garage: 334 N. Superior St.
  • Port Lawrence Garage: 227 N. Saint Clair St.

References

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