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Valley residents can find many ways to have a blast
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Raymond Sadler, 10, of Youngstown takes a flip from a diving board at North Side Pool on Belmont Avenue in Youngstown on Thursday. A chance of isolated thunderstorms forecast for the holiday weekend may put a slight damper on swimming.
YOUNGSTOWN
Mahoning Valley residents will have isolated thunderstorms and high humidity to dodge during the Fourth of July weekend but no shortage of things to do.
Weather Central staff meteorologist Kacie Krueger said the holiday weekend temperatures will reach the mid- to high 80s, but humidity will make it feel much hotter. Today and Sunday will be partly cloudy, but Krueger warns of isolated thunderstorms Saturday and Monday.
“People think it’s OK to stay outdoors in a storm, and it’s not,” said Krueger.
If a thunderstorm occurs during an outdoor event, Krueger suggested people avoid trees and take cover immediately. To combat the heat, she advised drinking plenty of water and wearing sunscreen.
Nick Malloy of Austintown said he plans to spend a lot of time outdoors. His family will kick off its celebration at the Austintown July 4th Parade at 2 p.m. on South Raccoon Road from Kirk Road to Falcon Drive before returning home for a family barbecue.
At noon Saturday, parade enthusiasts can watch floats travel from St. Matthias Church, 915 Cornell Ave., down Zedaker, East Indianola, Taft and Murray avenues to the parking lot of Adams School on Cooper Street in Youngstown — or opt for a parade twist by visiting Guilford Lake.
The Boat Club of Guilford Lake Civic Association will host its 29th annual Fourth of July Parade of Boats at 2 p.m. Boats decorated in this year’s theme, “Your Favorite Decade,” will start at the public beach on the north side of the lake and travel up the shoreline.
Joyce Lasky of the boat club said the event has grown from four boats 29 years ago to anywhere from 20 to 35 pontoons. She suggested spectators bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy a picnic, or grab something to eat at nearby eateries.
Rhonda Farabee of Struthers said she plans to end Independence Day with a bang. Each year, she gathers her family and friends to watch fireworks from surrounding towns at a spot on state Route 289.
Fireworks “light up the entire sky,” said Farabee.
Boardman’s sky is scheduled to light up after the Jazz Ambassadors of the Army Field Band perform 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Saturday at Maag Outdoor Art Theatre in Boardman Park. In Warren, the music of the W.D. Packard Concert Band will fill the air at 8 p.m. Monday at Packard Music Hall’s South Lawn Band Shell before a fireworks display.
Christine Raynor of Youngstown will join roughly 3 million people in America who fly on the holiday. She said her daughter’s birthday is why she travels to Georgia each July 4.
Those who plan to drive to their destination will be met by the typical pre-holiday gas-price surge. Though prices had seen a 15-cent-per-gallon drop from last week, by late Thursday, some pumps were seeing a $3.79 per gallon price for regular unleaded gas.
Ruth Nagy, at AAA, offered motorists some money-saving tips.
“The biggest thing drivers can do to save money is make sure their vehicle is in good working order,” said Nagy
She said simple things such as a dirty air filter or improper tire pressure can hurt fuel efficiency. Missing high-traffic travel times, lodging at accommodations farther away from main highways and using the fuel-price finder on AAA’s website are other ways she suggested to cut travel costs.
“Pack a cooler in the trunk, and eat a picnic on the way,” said Nagy. “It lets you stretch your legs and save money.”
Activities slated for the holiday weekend in the Mahoning and Shenango valleys:
MAHONING COUNTY
Austintown: Ecumenical service at 8:30 a.m. Monday at Austin Log Cabin, 3797 S. Raccoon Road. Fitch color guard will present the colors, and keynote speaker will be Rev. Andrew Wade of Wickliffe Christian Church. A continental breakfast will follow.
Austintown: The July 4 parade will be at 2 p.m. Monday on South Raccoon Road from Kirk Road to Falcon Drive.
Boardman: The Jazz Ambassadors of the U.S. Army Field Band will perform Saturday from 8 to 9:30 p.m. at the Maag Outdoor Art Theatre in Boardman Park. A fireworks show will follow the concert. Bring lawn chairs. Concessions available. Rain location is Boardman High School Performing Arts Center.
Canfield: An Independence Day celebration begins at 6 p.m. Saturday at Canfield Fairgrounds, sponsored by Rotary Club of Canfield and numerous businesses. Parking will be $5 for a carload. Abbey Road, Shooting Star DJ’s, JD Eicher & the Goodnights, Magma Project and Austintown Bounce Inc. will perform. Come hungry or bring blankets and picnic baskets. Chevy Cruze LTZ raffle tickets will be on sale. Rain date will be Sunday. For more information visit canfieldrotary.org.
Sebring: A fireworks display will begin about 9:30 p.m. Monday at Southside Park.
Struthers: A parade at noon Monday will assemble at Fifth Street Plaza and follow a 3-mile course, returning to the plaza where prizes will be awarded.
Youngstown: The Lansingville Fourth of July parade is noon Saturday. It will start at St. Matthias Church, 915 Cornell Ave., and proceed down Zedaker, East Indianola, Taft and Murray Avenues to the parking lot of Adams School on Cooper Street.
Youngstown: A fireworks display begins between 9 and 9:30 p.m. Monday at the Covelli Centre. The center’s parking lot will be closed. Street and deck parking will be available.
Youngstown: Fourth annual Independence Day Dash begins at 5:30 p.m. Saturday. Registration will be on the back patio/deck of the MVR. The event is free. Dashers will be asked to donate $1 to help support athletic scholarships at YSU. Each person who registers will receive a wristband for identification and drink specials. Shuttles will arrive at 6:15 and continue until 12:15 to 12:30 a.m. Establishments include Royal Oaks, MVR, Inner Circle Pizza, Buffalo Wild Wings, Downtown 36, Imbibe Martini Bar, Old Precinct and The Lemon Grove.
TRUMBULL COUNTY
Brookfield: Fireworks will be at 10 p.m. Saturday at Truck Night at Yankee Lake, state Route 7. www.trucknight.com.
Cortland: Fireworks will be at 10 p.m. Monday at Lakeview High School.
Hartford: Food, fun and fellowship for the community from 5 to 9 p.m. Sunday on the Township Square, state Routes 7 and 305. There will be games and music by DJ Vanilly Bryce. Bring a picnic or purchase a hot dog and beverage provided by the Hartford Township Park Committee. Bring chairs or a blanket. No video or electronic games allowed.
Howland: The July 4 parade will be at 10 a.m. Festivities include a Stars and Stripes 5K Run and Walk, as well as food, music, free games and pet parade at noon. For more information visit the township’s web site at www.howlandtownship.org.
McDonald: Fireworks will be at 11 p.m. Saturday at the Ramsay Pavilion Area/Festival grounds.
Mesopotamia: The 38th annual Ox Roast, Antiques and Flea Market will be 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday at state Routes 534 and 87. There will be more than 160 dealers and live entertainment each day. Admission is free, and parking is available at the fire station. For a complete list of activities, visit www.mespofire.com.
Newton Falls: There will be a drawing Monday at 8 p.m. at City Park with the grand prize of $5,000 and other prizes. Winners need not be present. Tickets are $10 each and available at local businesses. Entertainment will be provided nightly through July 4 at the City Park by the beer tent. The parade will begin at 10 a.m. July 4 and lineup will begin at 8 a.m. in front of the Church of God. A military flyover is planned. Entertainment at the beer tent begins at 5:30 p.m. Fireworks will be at 10 p.m. in the park.
Niles: Fireworks will be at 10 p.m. Monday at Waddell Park.
Niles: Trumbull Senior Production Co. will perform a Salute to America from 2 to 3 p.m. Sunday, at Eastwood Mall Center Court. Come and enjoy favorites like “Anchors Away,” “You’re a Grand Old Flag,” “God Bless the USA” and more.
Warren: W.D. Packard Concert Band will perform free Monday at 8 p.m. at Packard Music Hall, South Lawn Band Shell and be followed by a fireworks display.
COLUMBIANA COUNTY
Columbiana: Fireworks will be at dusk Monday at Firestone Park.
East Palestine: A celebration will be from 8 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Monday at East Palestine Park. For a complete listing of events, go to www.eastpalestinechamber.com.
Guilford Lake: Fourth of July fun will begin Saturday at Guilford Lake. Sand sculpting, a decorated bike parade and games will take place in the campground. On Monday, the 29th annual 4th of July Boat Parade will begin at 2 p.m. Boats must be pre-registered, insured, and liability release forms must be signed. To sign up, visit The Guilford Lake Grille, Mark’s Landing or the Guilford State Park office by Sunday. For information, call Joyce at 330-222-1759.
MERCER COUNTY
Hermitage: Fireworks extravaganza Sunday at 9:40 p.m. on East State Street.
Mercer: The Mercer Community Band will present “Red, White and Blue” today at 7:30 p.m. on the Mercer County Courthouse Square. Guest vocal soloist Daniel Byerly will perform “Our America” and instrumental soloist Brittany Mohney will preform “Angry Bear.” Warm-up entertainment will be provided at 6 p.m. by Makin’ Changes. Ice cream and popcorn will be served by the Mercer High School Band Boosters. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. The concert will be moved to the Mercer High School auditorium in the event of inclement weather.
Sharon: The annual Small Ships Revue is today with a parade at 6 p.m., small ships launch at 7 p.m., Graphic Pink on main stage at Quaker Steak and Lube and Pipe Dreams at Sugar Shack in downtown Sharon. Fireworks display at 10:15 p.m. Free admission.
LAWRENCE COUNTY
Ellwood: Ellwood City Festival with arts, crafts, food and entertainment, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. today through Sunday, ending with fireworks at 10:15 p.m. Sunday. The festival will be in Ewing Park. For daily schedule visit www.ellwood-city-festival.net.
New Castle: A firework festival will be at 10 p.m. July 9 at the Columbus Interbelt.