While July 4 may fall in the middle of a week this year, that doesn't mean there won't be plenty of events to help celebrate the nation's independence. From ice cream socials, to parades, an antique tractor show and, of course, fireworks, those who may have the holiday off can find something fun to do.
"(Independence Day) is what made this country what it is and we are a melting pot," said Danny Hills, second vice commander in charge of organizing the annual Independence Day parade for AMVETS Post 1788. "This is the people's parade and all are welcome."
The parade will line up at 9 a.m. Wednesday at Fourth and Butler streets in Marietta and everyone, from Boy Scouts to politicians to children on bikes, is welcome to participate, according to Hills.
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"This is something that we have taken on to do - this and the Pearl Harbor observance. (Spectator) attendance has been dwindling and it is disappointing but we need to have a resurgence because this is for them," Hills said.
The event will conclude at Armory Square on Front Street, where Mayor Joe Matthews has been invited to say a few words.
Another annual event, an antique engine and tractor show, will be held Wednesday in Beverly from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event was started 15 years ago by Beverly Lions Club members Richard McNabb and Louis Bauerbach as a way to fund Lions Club scholarship and other programs.
McNabb passed away prior to last year's event and Bauerbach was unable to attend but Beverly Lions Club member Kay Shreve said he is hoping to be able to attend this year.
"They started it because they were members of an engine club and thought it would be a good idea to have one here. So he is itching to go this year," she said.
Walt Schaad, a Lions Club member who also happens to be Bauerbach's son-in-law, said his father-in-law is going to try to bring some engines and possibly hand out tickets.
"A lot of people will come just to see him," Schaad said.
Along with spicing things up on the food menu with pulled pork and other offerings, another new thing the club is trying this year is meant to draw in more female visitors.
"My wife (Linda, Lions Club president) and I went to different tractor shows last year to see if there was something new we could do and a lot of them had vendors that were geared toward the women," Schaad said.
Shreve added that representatives of such companies as Thirty One, Tastefully Simple and others would be on hand this year.
An antique tractor parade will also be added this year.
"We're going to try it. We're going to go out on (Ohio) 60 this year and see how it goes," Schaad said.
Fireworks will be held at 10 p.m.
In Marietta, the annual fireworks display at the Washington County Fairgrounds will wrap up a two-day event which will include a demolition derby, mud bogg and amusement rides and concessions.
"We're going to have rides again this year," said fair board vice president Steve Tornes. "We're working with a company out of Duncan Falls and they will have about 8 to 10 rides, some food and games."
Tornes said it takes about $5,500 to put on the fireworks display and some money is donated while some money from the price of admission to the event will also go into the fund. Money is also raised for the annual Washington County Fair. The cost is $6 for age four and up, rides included, and free for age 3 and under, with $3 for rides.
