ONTARIO – It was party aimed at celebrating America’s 250th birthday, now just days away.
And residents from around Richland County enjoyed a Saturday filled with events at the Ontario Liberty Fest in a city that began as a settlement just 58 years after the nation was founded.
Marshall Park was the hub for All-American activities like a car show, live music, eating contests and, of course, fireworks creating rockets’ red glare.
Festivities officially started Friday at 5 p.m. with the car show. Food vendors and a beer garden popped up an hour later. Visitors were also treated to a putt-putt tournament and the Ontario Youth Sports All-Star Tournament.
Saturday saw an earlier opening, with vendors opening at 1 p.m. Ontario Twirlers took the stage at midway at 1:30 p.m., before the “Patriotic Pooch Parade” stepped off at 3 p.m.
The Ontario Liberty Fest parade officially started 30 minutes after, with classic cars, police and fire units, and other members and groups of the community walking through Marshall Park.
Miss Ohio, Miss Teen Ohio and Miss Ontario candidates signed autographs for festival-goers after the parade. The Ontario Lions Club Frog Jump took place at the same time, with a Renaissance Theatre performance following and an eating competition from 6 to 7 p.m.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, attendees settled in for fireworks. The night skies were filled with sights and sounds, bringing Ontario Liberty Fest to a close the weekend.
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