Pair of celebrations mark Independence Day
Fourth of July weekend has plenty in store for area residents looking to commemorate Independence Day in true patriotic style with friends and family at two local festivities — the Indian Lake Beach and Fireworks Spectacular set for Saturday, July 3, and the Belle Center annual fireworks and activities Sunday, July 4.
Belle Center fireworks display coordinator Greg Fitzpatrick said this year’s show will be similar to last year’s celebration, with a finale to include 1,200 shots and the main show to feature approximaely 2,000 shots.
The fireworks begin at dusk Sunday and are expected to last approximately 30 minutes. Spectators are asked to take lawn chairs and golf carts are not permitted inside the Richland Township Park.
The Indian Lake Chamber of Commerce reports that this year’s Light Up the Lake Spectacular Fireworks, presented at 10 p.m. Saturday, will be produced by Pyrotecnico Company of Pennsylvania, which also has produced Columbus’ Red, White and Boom for a number of years and the NFL’s Super Bowl Show..
“We’ve spent numerous hours, weeks and months searching for a show that is going to make everyone have that, ‘Wow’ experience. We’re thrilled to be able to present the biggest fireworks show for Logan County this year with the help of Pyrotechnico,” Chamber President Amber Fagan said.
This week via its Facebook page, the Indian Lake Chamber also offered tips on where to view the fireworks, relating that “most spectators will find the best locations are west of the State Park parking lot just north of Township Road 239. The parking lot will likely be closed for staging of emergency vehicles.”
Some of the premium spots for viewing the pyrotechnics include: Old Field Beach; west bank along State Route 235; and south bank along State Route 366 from Lakeview Harbor toward Township Road 239.
Alternative viewing locations may include the following: Leppich Field (Elliot Road in Russells Point), parking lots of Community Markets and Lakeview Hardware; and any other locations with unobstructed views of the launch site located just west of the Russells Point corporation limit on State Route 366.
“And of course, anywhere on the water,” representatives said.
The bike path also will be closed this week for set up of the Light Up the Lake Spectacular.
This year, the two local traditions also include a return to the usual daytime festivities accompanying the fireworks that had to be scaled down last summer during the height of the COVD-19 pandemic.
At Indian Lake, activities take at Old Field Beach throughout the day Saturday, including the annual car show, food, swimming, games and more on the beach.
Registration for the car show is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., with awards at 3 p.m.
Registration is $10 and dash plaques will be awarded to the first 50 participants. Door prizes will also be provided.
In Belle Center, festivities begin with a pancake breakfast 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. Sunday at Richland Township Fire Department.
Then a full slate of activities are planned at the Richland Township Park, including concessions open all day and an organized volleyball tournament, with teams asked to arrive by 10:30 a.m.
The community parade is at 1 p.m., and line-up begins at noon along School Street and Plum Street. Summer recreation ball teams are asked to line up at water building by the park. Leading the 2021 parade are grand marshals are Ron Smith, Dave Johns and Jerry Lowe.
Dan the Man performs classic music at the shelter house from 2 to 5 p.m. A kids’ pedal pull and kid and adult games are from 3 to 4 p.m. and WAR wrestling returns from 6 to 8 p.m..
The Cherry Bombs Band performs from 6 to 9:50 p.m. before the fireworks show.
Organizers with both events said local donations are still being sought so that these favorite fireworks festivities can continue.
Belle Center representatives said the committee is charged with raising $20,000 for the fireworks show expenses. A reverse raffle and business donations support a majority of the fundraising, but area residents also can make donations on-site during the celebration, or can mail a donation to: Belle Center Fireworks, P.O. Box 513, Belle Center, OH, 43310.
Indian Lake Chamber officials said the annual fireworks is a community event and would not be possible without funds raised by area residents, businesses and at events throughout the year. This year’s goal is to raise $60,000, with donations accepted online at the chamber’s website, www.visitindianlakeohio.com.