Summertime and fireworks go together like bread and butter.

Communities in Richland, Ashland and Knox counties will offer plenty of opportunities to catch the night sky lit up in vibrant colors this summer — especially given America’s 250th birthday on July 4.

Here’s everything you need to know to find fireworks near you in the weeks to come.

If you know of a Fourth of July fireworks display in Richland, Ashland or Knox counties that we’ve missed on our list, contact our newsrooms via the emails below:

  • Richland County (news@richlandsource.com)
  • Ashland County (news@ashlandsource.com)
  • Knox County (news@knoxpages.com)

Richland County

Ontario

Folks anxious for a fireworks display before July 4 can make their way to Ontario on June 27. The Ontario Liberty Fest will feature a laser show at 10 p.m., followed by fireworks synced to music on Mix 106.1FM WVNO at 10:10 p.m.

These two displays are only a portion of activities being offered during the two-day festival, which begins June 26 and concludes after fireworks June 27. The fun takes place at Marshall Park, 3375 Milligan Road. Find out more.

Bellville

Those wanting to make a weekend out of fireworks displays can head to Bellville on June 28 after Ontario’s fireworks June 27. Light up the Valley 2026 begins at noon on June 28 and includes food trucks, live music and more, with the fireworks display set to launch around 10 p.m. Find out more.

Crestline

Kick off July 4 weekend with fireworks in Crestline on July 3 at 10 p.m. The display will take place at Old Hutson Stadium near Crestline High School. The rain date is July 5.

Mansfield

Fireworks are returning to the revived Mansfield Speedway just in time for America’s 250th birthday. Head to 400 Crall Road E. at 9 p.m. to catch the display. Additional activities will be offered leading up to the fireworks, beginning as early as 9 a.m. with a classic car show. A hot dog eating contest, demolition derby, live music, rides and family-friendly fun are also scheduled. Find out more.

Shelby

The city of Shelby will include a fireworks display during its annual Bicycle Days celebration, which takes place July 10 and 11. Fireworks will light up the sky above Skiles Lawn at dark on July 11, but folks can enjoy several other treats like live music, food vendors and games prior to the display. Skiles Lawn is located near the Black Fork Commons, 12 W. Main St., in downtown Shelby. Find out more.


Ashland County

Ashland

Join the city of Ashland on July 4 as it organizes a birthday bash for America. Festivities are planned at Freer Field, 1301 Park St., beginning at 5 p.m. Live music, food trailers and a live radio show with area leaders and special guests will lead up to the much anticipated fireworks display around 9:45 p.m. This year’s display will be the largest to date in Ashland County history. Learn more.

Loudonville

A fireworks display will begin around 9 p.m. or dusk on July 4 at Loudonville’s Riverside Park, 135 S. Spring St.

Jeromesville

Activities are planned from morning to evening on July 11 in Jeromesville. Highlights include a pancake breakfast and open house at the fire station, a parade, tree dedication ceremony at the cemetery, a time capsule opening, games, music and more. Fireworks will end the day of festivities around 10 p.m. at Lewis Memorial Park, 26 E. South St. Learn more.


Knox County

Mount Vernon

Mount Vernon’s Independence Day celebration is set for July 4 at Ariel-Foundation Park, 10 Pittsburgh Ave., from 5 to 11 p.m. The Highwaymen Show Tribute will begin at 7:30 p.m. Openers Backroad Divas and Linden and Melvin will perform from 5:30 to 7:15 p.m. Fireworks are set for 10 p.m. Learn more.

Fredericktown

Festivities are scheduled for July 4 at Sockman Lake, 10 Ankneytown Road, including a softball tournament, car show, food trucks and a vendors market. Live entertainment will also be featured from the Side Effects and The Broken Spokes. A fireworks show should start around dusk.

Utica

Utica will celebrate the nation’s 250th on July 1 at South End Park. The fun begins at 5 p.m. and will include live music, food trucks and bounce houses. The grand fireworks finale will begin just after dusk.

Apple Valley

Apple Valley Property Association will launch its fireworks display on July 4 at dusk. Residents must present a current AV Property Owners Association ID to visit any of the facilities.

The third annual boat parade, sponsored by the Apple Valley Lake Social Club, will start at 5 p.m. on July 3 from Sutton Beach.


Staff reporter at Source Media Properties since 2023. Shelby High School/Kent State alum. Have a story to share? Email me at hayden@ashlandsource.com.