Thousands gather at Austintown Plaza to observe holiday

AUSTINTOWN — Hot dogs, lemonade and funnel cakes were in heavy supply.

Music, clowns and face painting provided some of the entertainment.

American families with American pride celebrated the land of the free and home of the brave the today, the day before Independence Day, with some good old-fashion American food and fun at the Austintown Fireworks Celebration.

“We are anticipating 8,000 to 10,000 [people],” said Jim Davis, township trustee. “To bring the community together is why I do this.”

The $25,000 to $30,000 event, sponsored by Hollywood Gaming at Mahoning Valley Race Course, Briarfield, 21 WFMJ-TV, Talmer Bank and others, has been hosted at township park the past two years, but the venue was switched to the Austintown Plaza this year to provide better parking.

This is the third year the fireworks were brought back to Austintown after a seven-year absence.

For the complete story, read Saturday's Vindicator and Vindy.com