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4th of July activities planned for Eastside
(by Christine Bryant, Eastside Editor - June 25, 2009)
Reynoldsburg
Reynoldsburg residents can celebrate this year's Fourth of July with a day full of events.
The holiday will kick off with a parade at 2 p.m. that begins at the corner of Rosehill and Main.
The parade will include bicycles decorated by kids in three age groups. Children ages 5 to 7, 8 to 9 and 10 to 12 who wish to participate in the bike decorating portion of the parade should meet at 1 p.m. at CS Bank, located at the corner of Main Street and Briarcliff Road. Children must have an adult accompany them.
So far, more than 40 floats have entered the parade, which will be judged by a panel.
Later in the day, the Reynoldsburg Community Orchestra will perform on the basketball courts at Civic Park from 8 to 8:40 p.m. and from 9 to 9:40 p.m.
Music to be performed include "1812 Overture," "Somewhere, Out There," "A Disney Adventure," "America! Patriotic Themes" and the main theme from "Star Wars." The city will hold fireworks at dusk at Civic Park.
Bexley
Bexley will kick off its Fourth of July festivities with a 5K race at 8 a.m.
The race begins and ends at Jeffrey Mansion. The fee is $20 if received by July 2; $25 on the day of registration.
To register online, go to www.premierraces.com, or go to Jeffrey Mansion, 165 N. Parkview Ave., during normal business hours. Race applications also may be picked up at the Bexley Public Library and variety of Bexley businesses.
Race packets may be picked up from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. July 1 and 2 at Jeffrey Mansion. Volunteers are needed for the event. If interested, call (614) 559-4300.
Later in the day on July 4, festivities will continue on Capital University's front lawn from 5 to 10:15 p.m.
From 5 to 9:45 p.m., a variety of Bexley businesses will offer food for residents on the front lawn.
From 5 to 9 p.m., families may enjoy games and activities, including face painting, featured art, sports, Coach Chris and prizes.
Music groups will entertain visitors from 5 to 9:45 p.m., followed by fireworks at the Capital soccer field from 9:45 to 10:15 p.m.
The Beat Bus will provide free transportation from 5 to 11 p.m., running every 15 minutes (except during the fireworks show), from Maryland School to CSG
Drexel Lot to Capital University front lawn.
Schedule of events:
5 to 9:45 p.m.: Dinner, drinks and desserts, Capital front lawn
5 to 9 p.m.: Kids' games and activities
5 to 6 p.m.: City Folk
6 to 7 p.m.: Music in the Meadow
7:20 to 8:20 p.m.: Mercury Retrograde
8:20 to 8:40 p.m.: Ben Franklin Impersonator (Bexley resident Ben Heckman); Welcome by council president and mayor; and awards
8:45 to 9:45 p.m.: Big Rockin' Blues Band
9:30 to 9:45 p.m.: Columbus Saints Drum Line Show and Kids' March to fireworks launch site
9:45 to 10:15 p.m.: Fireworks show with music at Capital Soccer Field (College and Astor), with national anthem sung by the Bexley High School Ensemble.
Pickerington
The Pickerington Parks and Recreation Department will hold a July 4th parade, concert and fireworks display, co-sponsored by the City of Pickerington and Violet Township.
Victory Park will open at 4 p.m. for food concessions and children's rides.
The parade will step off at 6 p.m. from Pickerington High School Central on Opportunity Way. The parade route will be north on Lockville Road, east on Columbus Street and south on Hill Road, ending at Ridgeview Junior High School.
Participation in the July 4th parade is free and entry forms are available online at www.pickerington.net on the Parks and Recreation page.
Opening ceremonies at Victory Park will commence between 7:45 and 8 p.m.
The Paradise Island Band will be the featured entertainment on the Giant Eagle Stage starting at 8:20 p.m.
Known for its diversity, Paradise Island will perform rock classics, Motown melodies and current hits.
The pyrotechnics show produced by Zambelli Fireworks Internationale will blast off at 10 p.m.
After the fireworks, Paradise Island will play a final set ending at 11 p.m.
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