Local municipalities celebrate Fourth of July
Early celebrations for the Fourth of July included public readings of the Declaration of Independence, accompanied by parades, concerts, bonfires and ceremonial cannon firings. Philadelphia holds the distinction of being the first official celebration on July 4, 1777, and Massachusetts became the first state to declare July 4th an official holiday in 1781. While the Revolutionary War waged on, General George Washington provided additional rum rations to his troops to mark the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in an effort to underscore the importance of the long, difficult battles.
Today, people across the Miami Valley will don red-white-and-blue gear, enjoying parades and fireworks while they celebrate the Fourth of July. Here are a few local happenings:
● The City of Kettering presents entertainment by The Sly Band, a large variety of food vendors and food trucks, a fun kids’ zone and a fireworks show. Bring your family, grab your lawn chairs and get ready to Go 4th!
● Centerville – Washington Township will host the Americana Festival, starting with a festival at the Centerville High School Stadium on July 3. A variety of food vendors will be on hand at the stadium entrance. The celebration continues on Monday, July 4, with a 5K run/walk followed by the Americana Parade beginning at 10 a.m.
● The City of Dayton’s Lights in Flight Festival and fireworks display will take place from 5 to 10 p.m. Sunday, July 3, at RiverScape MetroPark. Guests can enjoy live entertainment, merchandise and food vendors, children’s activities and more.
● The City of Xenia hosts the Kevin Sonnycalb Memorial Fireworks Festival from 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, July 1, at Shawnee Park. Enjoy live music, including the U.S. Air Force Band of Flight and a local band yet to be announced.
● The City and Vandalia and Butler Township present the 2022 Star Spangled Celebration. Taking place at the Vandalia Sports Complex, musical entertainment begins at 7 p.m. with the fireworks set to go at 10 p.m. Food and beverages are available from a number of vendors.
● The Fairborn Block Party and Fourth of July Parade kicks off at 2 p.m. July 3 with a block party on Main Street that has various food, craft, and game vendors and lasts until 10 p.m. Then at 10 a.m. July 4, the annual parade launches from Central Avenue to Main Street featuring a large number of civic groups and community floats.
