Richland County is a host for many fun-filled Fourth of July festivals. With some planning and organizing, Richland County residents can spend as much as a week at different entertaining events.
The Ontario 4th of July Festival is one of the first festivals to occur. It will be held Wednesday, July 3 and Thursday, July 4. This marks its tenth consecutive year. Although it originally started in 1969, lack of funds caused a hiatus. In 2003, however, a non-profit organization helped bring back the festival.
This festival aims to provide “fun for all ages.” In fact, the event line-up has grown so full that it now spills over into two days.
The OGA Night kicks off the festivities on Wednesday night. The night will feature the Mike Martin Memorial car show, music by Sound Sensations DJ, a hog roast, various tournaments, among other exciting things. The following day (July 4) provides more opportunities to have fun with the many eating contests, live entertainment from the comedian and hypnotist TG Rivers, parade, games, and of course, fireworks!
The excitement continues with the Shelby Bicycle Days on July 5-7. This event celebrates Shelby’s history as one of the booming bicycle manufacturing towns in Ohio.
Some highlights of this festival are the tournaments, performances, parade, and the Pyrotecnico Fireworks display.
Mansfield Lahm Airport is another attraction for family-fun with the annual Airport Day. This event will be held Saturday, July 6 from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Mansfield Lahm Regional Airport.
Maintaining the tradition, this event will feature aircraft tours, airplane and helicopter rides, historical lectures, numerous exhibits, car show, children’s activity area, and food.
Last but not least, the Charles Mill Lake Park Fourth of July Celebration will be held throughout the week on Wednesday, July 3 – Sunday, July 7. There will be music, games, fireworks, and much more. Fireworks light the sky on Saturday night at dusk.
