Big booms: Where to see Fourth of July fireworks in Wayne, Holmes and Ashland counties
Seeing a darkened sky lit by colorful pyrotechnics is a Fourth of July tradition, so is finding an explosive spectacle.
Fireworks shows are slated in communities across the Ashland, Wayne and Holmes county area this weekend, but not all on the same day.
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While there are sure to be other events around, here are some of the larger public displays the tri-county area has to offer.
Wooster Fireworks
Gil Ning is back with Wooster's annual firework show.
Located at the soccer fields at Burbank Road and Oldman Road, the explosives will go off on July 4 at 10 p.m.
Guests are welcome to enjoy food and entertainment starting at 5 p.m.
"It offers food, family time and free entertainment and a time to relax and enjoy the evening and celebrate Independence Day," said Ning, of the volunteer nonprofit Wooster Fireworks.
If the soccer fields are too crowded, spectators can park in nearby school and commercial parking lots, he said.
To fund the event, the Wooster Exchange Club donated a total of $10,000, Ning said. The Wooster Rotary Club, local businesses and individuals donated another $5,000.
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This year's event has proved to be more expensive. Ning said inflation has raised firework prices by nearly 5%. Insurance costs also have risen.
"We have been able to negotiate a substantial reduction in costs, however, in order to provide an equivalent display to 2021, the total cost of the 2022 celebration will be $20,000," he said.
To support the event, checks can be mailed to the Wooster Fireworks Fund at P.O. Box 1424, Wooster, Ohio 44691.
Orrville's Fire in the Sky Celebration
While the festivities kicked off Wednesday with a parade, the City of Orrville has yet to launch fireworks in celebration of Independence Day.
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Fireworks will blast off July 3 at 10:15 p.m. or immediately following the Orrville Firefighters' Fire In The Sky 14U Girls ASA Tournament that evening.
This annual event is hosted by the Orrville Firefighters Association.
For more information, visit the Orrville Firefighters Association Facebook page.
Thunder Over Holmes County
The annual Holmes County display starts Saturday, July 2, at 3 p.m. in front of the county courthouse in downtown Millersburg.
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Food vendors and games including slides, bounce houses, an obstacle course and more will be available for guests to enjoy, according to the event's Facebook page.
Fireworks will shoot off just after sunset, which is at around 9 p.m.
To learn more about the event, visit its Facebook page.
Ashland Rotary fireworks
Ashland fireworks will light up the sky on Monday, July 4, at 9:30 p.m.
Seating will not be available at Ashland Community Stadium or on the Ashland High School athletic fields and sidewalk, according to the city.
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"Areas around Katherine Avenue will be marked with orange cones and Ashland Fire Local 1386 and the Ashland Police Division will be on hand to assist you to find a safe viewing area in that vicinity," the city wrote on Facebook.
Spectators can view the display from nearby parking lots and churches.
Ashland Rotary Club funded the event and will hold a 50/50 Super Raffle drawing one hour before the fireworks are slated to go off, according to the club website.
Those interested can sign up and donate $100 on the club website. The winner will win half the pot. The other half benefits the annual firework display.
Reach Bryce by email at bbuyakie@gannett.com
On Twitter: @Bryce_Buyakie
This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: Where you can find Fourth of July firework displays
