The 46th Annual Centerville-Washington Township Americana Festival kicks off on Wednesday, July 3, with fireworks at Centerville High School followed by a daylong street fair celebration.
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This year's theme is “Honoring those who protect and serve our community.” Here are a few reasons why you should venture into the city this holiday weekend, and be a part of this festival that attracts 90,000 people each year.
1. RUN A 5K
Credit: Lisa Powell
Credit: Lisa Powell
The Up and Running Americana 5K Run/Walk starts at 7:30 a.m. (though competitors must arrive by 7 a.m.) July 4 at the Centerville High School Stadium on East Franklin Street, and follows the parade route down Franklin Street to just past Magsig Middle School, where the runners and walkers will turn around and head back to the high school. The race finishes with a lap around the track in the stadium. The race is chip timed and results will be available immediately at the race. Register here. Register before June 30 and save $5. >>RELATED: The best places to watch the fireworks around Dayton
2. WATCH A PARADE
Credit: Jim Witmer
Credit: Jim Witmer
The parade is a regular highlight at the festival. The parade begins at 10 a.m. July 4 on East Franklin Street, west of Centerville High School, and proceeds West to Cline Elementary on Virginia Avenue. Showcasing more than 120 units, the parade features numerous bands, floats and several mobile and walking units. If you can’t make it to the parade on July 4, you can watch it live on Time Warner Channel 5 or relive the moment by visiting mvcc.viebit.com, Centerville’s Youtube Channel or Time Warner Channel 5. 3. Shop the street fair
The Street Fair will be held on July 4 from 9:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. Featuring 300 craft and food booths, artists, musical entertainment and a children's game and activity area, the Street Fair also showcases staged and strolling performers. The arts, crafts and food booths are located on North Main Street, from Franklin Street north into Benham's Grove, East on Iron Gate Park Drive and at the park district Activity Center with the children's activities. Unique crafts including handmade jewelry, clothing, furniture and other woodcrafts, folk art, stained glass, artistry and many other enticements will be featured. This part of the festival continues to grow every year, with a wide variety of activities for young and old alike, so come be a part of the fun!
4. Eat all the things
Credit: Lisa Powell
Credit: Lisa Powell
Food is always a major attraction at the Americana Festival and this year offers many delicacies to appeal to all appetites. Chinese, Cajun, Greek, BBQ Ribs, Turkey, Pork Chops, Ice Cream, Shake-ups, Hot Dogs, Kettle Corn, Candy, Fudge, Root Beer Floats, Chocolate Covered Bananas. Foods can be enjoyed at sit-down dining locations, various other locations along the street, or you can stroll from booth to booth with your favorite hand-held foods, snacks and beverages. There will also be food vendors at Benham’s Grove, the Children’s Area and at the fireworks.
5. Fireworks
The 46th annual Americana Festival begins with a bang with fireworks the night BEFORE at the Centerville High School Stadium, 500 E. Franklin St. The fireworks show on July 3 leads into the festival on the holiday. A variety of food vendors will be on hand at the stadium entrance. Gates open at 6 p.m. Fireworks show lights up the sky at 10 p.m. and is synchronized to music provided by Jack FM 92.9. The Miami Valley Hospital South Fireworks show lights up the sky at 10 p.m. In celebration of the theme, the pre-fireworks show will feature a musical performance by Stranger, an 80’s cover band. They hit the stage at 8:30 p.m.
Check out the full entertainment schedule so you can plan your day,and don't forget to pack your sunscreen for this all-day patriotic adventure!
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WANT TO GO?
WHAT: Centerville - Washington Township Americana Festival
WHERE: Downtown Centerville
WHEN: Music and fireworks from 6-10 p.m. Wednesday, July 3. 5K, parade and festival 7 a.m.-11 p.m. Thursday, July 4.
COST: Free
INFO: (937) 433-5898 or americanafestival.org
