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Just about every community has its own Fourth of July celebration. But here are some of the very best fireworks displays that you must consider:
Lights in Flight
The whole family is invited for a multi-cultural festival, food and special attractions including: an obstacle course, climbing wall, a kid zone and more. There will also be live entertainment from top 16 American Idol finalist, Alexis Gomez, and Cincinnati-based Latin ensemble Son Del Caribe at 1 p.m. There will be 18 food and beverage vendors and various selections of beer. Beer ticket sales end at 9:30 p.m. Fireworks start at 10 p.m. over the Great Miami River.
When: Sunday, July 3, 1-10 p.m.
Location: RiverScape MetroPark, 111 E. Monument Ave., Dayton
Price: Admission is free
More info: (937) 333-8400, website
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Centerville-Washington Township Americana Festival
A parade, street fair, 5K run, fireworks and more are presented in various spots in downtown Centerville. This is the 43rd annual event. A 5K begins at 7:30 a.m., street fair from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. with hundreds of booths ranging from arets and crafts to food, treats and games. There will be a parade at 10 a.m. and fireworks at 10 p.m.
When: Monday, July 4, 7:30 a.m.-10 p.m.
Location: Downtown Centerville near Main and Franklin streets
Price: Admission is free
More info: (937) 433-5898 | website
Red, White and Boonshoft
This isn't your traditional fireworks display, but it certainly rates. The annual star-spangled science celebration that takes place indoors and outdoors features educational shows, entertainment, indoor fireworks in the planetarium, face painting, food vendors and more. Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, 2600 Dewesse Pkwy., Dayton. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
When: Monday, July 4, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, 2600 Dewesse Pkwy., Dayton
Price: $14.50 for adults, $12.50 seniors 60 and older, $11.50 children 3-17, free for museum members and children younger than 3.
More info: 937-278-6076 | website
Kettering Go 4th!
Family friendly entertainment, live music, food and fireworks. Bring your family, grab your chairs and blankets and get ready to rock.
When: Monday, July 4, 5 p.m.-9:30 p.m. (Fireworks start at 9:30 p.m.)
Location: Delco Park, 1700 Delco Park Drive, Kettering,
Price: Free admission
More info: Call (937) 296-2486
Beavercreek 4th of July Parade & Fireworks
This is another traditional community fireworks celebration. A parade will begin at 6 p.m. at Meadowbridge Drive and continue east on Dayton-Xenia Road to Beavercreek High School. After the parade, head to Rotary Park for food, entertainment, inflatable bounce houses, and of course fireworks. The fireworks will begin at 10 p.m.
When: Monday, July 4. Parade starts at 6 p.m., fireworks start at 10 p.m.
Location: Rotary Park, 2260 Dayton Xenia Road, Beavercreek
Price: Free Admission
More info: Call (937) 426-5100
Star-Spangled Heights
Enjoy a food truck rally, games, car show, live music and fireworks at this special event. Three bands playing beginning at 1 p.m. at Cloud Park. Fireworks around 10 p.m. Flashback band will provide music during the fireworks. The event at Cloud Park is being run by the Huber Heights Arts & Beautification Commission. There will also be a beer garden. A parade will begin at 10 a.m. at Brandt Pike and Chambersburg Road running down to Nebraska Avenue.
When: Saturday, July 2. Fireworks start at 10 p.m.
Location: Tom Cloud Park, 4707 Brandt Pike, Huber Heights
Price: Free admission
More info: (937) 237-5824 | Website
Fourth of July fireworks at Kings Island
Kings Island offers one of the region’s largest and most impressive fireworks displays over the Fourth of July holiday (July 2-4).
This colorful pageant in the sky set against the backdrop of the park will be three times the size and scope of the park’s traditional nightly fireworks display July 2-3 and 10 times July 4.
Kings Island will stay open until midnight July 2 and July 4
When: July 2-4
Where: Kings Island, 6300 Kings Island Drive, Mason
Price: Included with park admission
Info: www.visitkingsisland.com
Vandalia Star-Spangled Celebration
Find family fun, food vendors and entertainment at this family focused holiday celebration at the Vandalia Sports Plex. Fireworks begin at 10 p.m.
When: Sunday, July 3, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. (Fireworks start at 10 p.m.)
Location: Vandalia Recreation Center, 1111 Stonequarry Road, Vandalia
Price: Free Admission
More info: Call (937) 415-2340
City of Piqua 4th Fest
When: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday, July 4
Where: Fountain Park, 1300 Forest Ave., Piqua
Cost: Free
Info: The City of Piqua's 4th Fest will take place starting at 10 a.m. at Fountain Park and Lock 9 Park. Children's activities, musical entertainment including Rum River Blend and the Piqua Civic Band. Food and games will be available throughout the day. All evening festivities move over to Lock 9 Park around 6 p.m. with The Hired Guns Band followed by the musical sensation and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame band – The Coasters. Fireworks are at 10 p.m. over the Great Miami River.
Springboro Red, White and Boro
Springboro High School is opening their campus for guests to view fireworks.
When: Saturday, July 2
Where: 1675 S., Main St., Springboro
Price: Free Admission
Info: (937) 748-3950, http://www.daytonlocal.com/events/city-of-springboro-fireworks.asp
Troy July 4th Parade and Fireworks
The city of Troy will begin the day with a parade starting at the Hobart Arena Parking Lot and follow through Staunton Road, North Market Street, West Main Street and finishing on Monroe Street. A firework display will conclude the holiday at 10 p.m.
When: Monday, July 4 at 9 a.m. and 10 p.m.
Where: Recommended viewing seats are at N. Market St., and both sides of the levee for the fireworks display.
Price: Free Admission
Info: (937) 335-1725, http://www.troyohio.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=148
Kevin Sonnycalb Memorial Fireworks Festival
When: 4 to 10:30 p.m., July 1
Where: Shawnee Park, 591 S. Park Drive, Xenia
Cost: Free
Info: The Kevin Sonnycalb Memorial Fireworks Festival is free and family friendly, with fireworks, bouncy houses, children's superhero bike parade, face painting, puppet/magic show, children and adult fishing derbies, outdoor laser tag, balloon artist, bluegrass band Blue Moon Soup, and the movie, Minions, as part of the Movie in the Park series.
Fairborn Independence Day Celebration
When: July 3-4
Where: Downtown Fairborn
Info: Block Party July 3, 3 to 10 p.m. with music, rides and vendors. Parade July 4, 10 a.m. Fireworks at 10 p.m. at Community Park. Entertainment begins at 5 p.m.
Preble County Old-Fashioned Independence Day Celebration
When: 3-11 p.m., July 3
Where: Preble County Historical Society, 7693 Swartsel Road, Eaton
Info: Bring the whole family to experience the Cincinnati Circus, Wild Hearts Zoo Animals, the Eaton Community Band and Chorus and the headlining musicians, Kully Zullo and The Worley Boys for an evening concert. www.preblecountyhistoricalsociety.com
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Franklin’s All American Blast
From the wettest parade in Ohio to live bands, an open pool, entertainment, food trucks, petting zoo, a large zip line and inflatables for children, there is something for all ages at Franklin’s Community Park, this weekend. Visitors are welcomed to a full day of events starting with the parade at 10 a.m. from the Lion’s Bridge to the South Main Street along 6th Street and ending at Franklin Community Park. From the park, The Menus will perform live and arm bands will be sold for the various activities for adults and children.
When: Monday, July 4 from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Where: Franklin Community Park, 304 E. 6th St.
Price: Free admission, Armbands are $15 per individual or $10 each for two or more armbands for inflatables petting zoo and zip line
Info: (937) 746-9921, http://www.franklinohio.org/community/events-activities/4th-of-july-b-ball-tourney-fireworks
City of Lebanon Independence Day Celebration
The day begins with the Independence Day Parade at 4 p.m. in downtown Lebanon and the celebration is at Colonial Park West from 6 to 10 p.m. Face painting, a petting zoo, live entertainment, inflatable activities, balloon sculptures and more are expected to give visitors a full day of excitement. Fireworks begin at 10 p.m.
When: Sunday, July 3, from 4 to 10 p.m.
Where: Colonial Park West, 720 N. Broadway, Lebanon (across from WC Fairgrounds)
Price: Free Admission
Info: (513) 228-3110, http://www.lebanonohio.gov/Calendar.aspx?EID=697&day=29&month=7&year=2016&calType=0
City of Moraine's Star Spangled Boom
The family can enjoy amusement rides, visit the family and fun zone, and check out the food trucks of Dayton Urban BBQ, Shantz Express and Carvaso’s all at 4 p.m. Before the fireworks is the Youth and Teen Amateur Talent Show at 5:30 p.m. and concerts by Christian artist Chris August and country rock band, Nashville Crush at 7:20 and 8:40. Fireworks will begin at 10 p.m.
When: Monday, July 4, 4 to 11 p.m.
Where: At Wax Park, 3800 Main Street, Moraine
Price: Free admission
Info: (937) 535-1000, http://ci.moraine.oh.us
Lake Lakengren fireworks display
Spectators can view the 16th annual fireworks display on their boats, homes or from the Marina. There will be a free waterside concert by the Josh Garret Band at 9 p.m. Those at home can tune to 90.5 FM to hear the Lake Lakengren broadcast show. The dam and event will be open gate.
When: Saturday, July 2, at 10 p.m.
Where: Fireworks at the Dam/go to the Marina, 22 Lakengren Dr., Eaton
Price: Free admission
Info: (937) 305-9570
Englewood Fireworks Celebration
Patriotic music will be performed by the Englewood Civic Band followed by fireworks at 10 p.m. The Englewood Fire Association will sell glow rings for children. In the case of inclement weather, the event will occur July 4.
When: Monday, July 4 from 7 to 10 p.m.
Where: Centennial Park, 321 Union Blvd., Englewood
Price: Free Admission
Info: (937) 836-7426, http://www.englewood.oh.us/events_fireworks.php
Enon VFW Fireworks Celebration
The Enon-George Rogers Clark Memorial VFW will present fireworks along with some games and food on July 3 followed by the Fourth of July Parade at 1 p.m. July 4. It is sponsored by the Enon Fire Department.
When: Sunday, July 3 at dusk (approximately 9:15 to 10 p.m.), and Monday, July 4 at 1 p.m.
Where: The Enon-George Rogers Clark Memorial VFW, 5075 Enon Xenia Pike # B, Fairborn
Price: Free Admission
Info: (937) 864-2361
Columbus Red, White and Boom
With the biggest fireworks in the Midwest and more than 400,000 people expected to attend, this event is worth the drive for fireworks, a Ford Oval of Honor Red, White and BOOM! Parade at 6 p.m., a Columbia Gas’ Children’s Park from noon to 8 p.m., and food booths and restaurants from 3 to 11 p.m. Entertainment and media will be available including meeting Columbus’ NBC4 broadcasters and TV personalities from 5 to 11 p.m. From 10 to 11 p.m. visitors can meet radio personalities from WNCI. Fireworks will start at 10 p.m. followed by an official after-party at 11 p.m. at The Three Legged Mare.
When: Friday, July 1, 6 to 11 p.m.
Where: 929 Harrison Ave., Columbus
Price: Fireworks are free; some activities may include a fee, parking rates are $10 for general parking, $20 for premium spaces
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