TUSCARAWAS VALLEY ‒ Fireworks have been a central part of the celebration of our nation’s independence for nearly 250 years.
Founding Father John Adams predicted their importance to the event in a letter to his wife, Abigail, on July 3, 1776, according to history.com:
“I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival … It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more,” Adams wrote.
The first fireworks display in the United States in celebration of Independence Day was in Philadelphia on July 4, 1777. Boston also had a fireworks display on the same day, according to history.com.
Here’s where you can continue that tradition locally:
June 28
Wood’s Tall Timber Resort, 1921 Tall Timber Road NE, New Philadelphia ‒ Fireworks begin at 10 p.m. Admission is $10 after 4 p.m., and the festivities begin at dusk.
Old Holmes County Fairground, Millersburg ‒ Thunder Over Holmes County begins at dusk. This event is part of Holmes County’s Independence Day celebration, which takes place in Historic Downtown Millersburg and runs from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Activities include inflatables,children’s games, food and more.
July 3
Coshocton County Fairgrounds, Coshocton ‒ The Anything Blue band will perform at 7 p.m., and fireworks will begin at dusk.
July 4
Ragersville ‒ Festivities will begin at 6 p.m. at the pavilion. Hot dogs will be served, along with popcorn and ice cream. Cost is a donation. All of the buildings owned by the Ragersville Historical Society will be open. Fireworks begin at 10 p.m.
Tappan Lake Park, Harrison County ‒ Fireworks will begin at dusk.
July 5
Tuscora Park, New Philadelphia ‒ The city of New Philadelphia’s fireworks display, held in conjunction with the First Town Days Festival, will begin at 10 p.m. Parking will be limited, particularly near the Al Maloney Stage and Hillside due to proximity to the launch zone. Drop off areas will be identified at the Broadway entrance of the park, but parking may or may not be available in this location.
Gnadenhutten ‒ The Country Fantasy in the Sky fireworks display, the highlight of the Gnadenhutten Fireworks Festival, will begin at 10 p.m. The three-day festival features food, live music, a talent show, a car show and a parade.
Atwood Lake Park, Carroll County ‒ Fireworks will begin at dusk.
Reach Jon at 330-364-8415 or at jon.baker@timesreporter.com.
This article originally appeared on The Times-Reporter: Fireworks displays in the Tuscarawas Valley and beyond for Independence Day
Reporting by Jon Baker, The Times-Reporter / The Times-Reporter
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