July 1
Burton-Middlefield American Legion Post 459 will host its annual Veteran’s Appreciation Day and 27th annual fireworks display at the Geauga County Fairgrounds, 14373 N. Cheshire St.
Festivities begin at 6 p.m. and continue through the conclusion of fireworks.
Rain date is July 2. For more information, call Will at 440-635-0223.
JULY 2
The Knights of Columbus Council 15942 invites the public to a patriotic Independence Day ceremony at 1 p.m. at St. Mary Church, 401 North St. in Chardon. Join around the flagpole for a ceremony to learn about this important day in U.S. history, the significance of the flag and to honor local veterans.
Bring worn U.S. flags for collection and respectful retirement. Children in attendance will receive a flag and free copies of the Declaration of Independence and U.S. constitution will be available.
In case of rain, the ceremony will be held indoors in the church gathering space.
Bainbridge Township
Bainbridge Township will celebrate Independence Day and its bicentennial July 2 and 4.
The Independence Day celebration begins July 2 at 4 p.m. at Kenston High School with the Bainbridge All-Stars playing against the Solon Babes of 1916, a senior softball organization for men and women ages 65 and older.
The teams will play a seven-inning game with modified rules on the girls softball field, adjacent to the main diamond, near the football stadium on the Kenston campus. Bring chairs and park near Timmons School.
Evening festivities around Kenston High School begin at 6 p.m. Fireworks will start around 9:45 p.m.
One unusual activity planned for the bicentennial celebration is preserving history in a time capsule. All residents are invited to share their memories for future generations.
Opportunities to share pictures and remembrances will be available at the Bainbridge Historical Society’s tent at Kenston High School July 2 prior to the fireworks or at the Town Hall July 4 from 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Bring a photograph to put inside the time capsule and write a “Letter for the Future” while visiting, or email a message for inclusion in the capsule.
Residents are welcome to share memories such as your experience living in Bainbridge, how long you have lived here, how you have seen it change over time and your favorite places to visit. (Note: Items will not be returned and must be smaller than 5-inches diameter due to size restrictions. No rubber or perishable items can be accepted.)
Sign the township’s birthday card, too. The capsule will be accepted by trustees later this year and, for a while, be on display at the Bissell-Tucek Historical House. Call Anna at 440-543-5197 for further guidance.
On July 4, civic activities at Heritage Park will include tours of the fire and police departments as well as the Bissell-Tucek historical house for several hours beginning at noon. An ice cream social will be held at the town hall at 4 p.m.
Chardon Fireworks
The Chardon area’s 25th annual Independence Day celebration will be held at Chardon High School’s Memorial Track and Field. The fireworks will go off around 9:58 p.m.
The Chardon Area Fireworks Fund, Inc. has set in motion its annual campaign to raise funds for fireworks. Donations are still needed. Mail donations to: Chardon Area Fireworks Fund, P.O. Box 336, Chardon, OH 44024.
In addition to fireworks, the Chardon High School Alumni Association in concert with Chardon Schools will be hosting an alumni get-together in the Chardon High School cafeteria from 8 p.m. until the fireworks show. All high school alumni and their friends are invited. On display will be the alumni association’s memorabilia collection.
Refreshments will be provided at various locations throughout the grounds.
The Chardon Schools Foundation will also be selling glowing necklaces and other “night delights” throughout the crowd.
Auburn Township
Auburn Township will celebrate the 4th of July along with the township’s 200th birthday with a parade starting at the Meadows subdivision on Auburn Center Road and proceeding to the Auburn Fire Station.
Parade lineup begins at 11 a.m. and parade kicks off promptly at noon. Parade participants are welcome. Call Patti Phillips at 440-343-0054 or email Phillipspmae@gmail.com.
There will be refreshments and places to sit and picnic at the fire station. Memorabilia will be on display and fire department members will be on hand to answer questions about the department and help children explore the equipment. All the proceeds will go to benefit the Auburn Fire Department.
Chardon Old Glory Days
Join for an afternoon of celebrating America on Chardon Square from 1-4 p.m. July 4. Children can decorate their bikes at 1:30 p.m. and participate in a parade around the square at 2 p.m. Event also includes a balloon artist, ice cream social, pie eating contest and DJ.
WG Class of ’67 Parade Participants
All members of the West Geauga High School senior class of 1967 are invited to join Tom O’Brien and Bob Painter to ride on or walk with their antique fire trucks in the West Geauga Kiwanis Independence Day Parade to celebrate their 50-year anniversary of graduation. The group will gather at St. Anselm’s parking lot at 10 a.m. for the parade that starts at 11 a.m. and ends at the high school.
For more information, call Tom at 440-343-6743 or Bob at 440-478-3735.
4th of July in Thompson
The annual Old Fashioned 4th of July on Thompson Square is July 4 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The parade starts at 11 a.m. from the old Ledgemont High School and proceeds around the square. Grace Lutheran Church hosts a barbecue on the square, Thompson United Methodist Church holds a rummage and bake sale at its church on the square, Thompson Garden Club holds a flower show and St. Patrick’s Church hosts a hot dog booth on the square. The Thompson Fire Department also serves a lunch and raffle. There are vendors with booths on the square and the 4th of July committee also has ticket sales for cash prizes and a raffle. Thompson Grange is offering horse and pony rides and tractor rides are available.
July 4 Fireworks at Blossom
Tickets are available for transportation by motor coach and pavilion seating at Blossom Music Center for the July 4 fireworks display and a performance by the Cleveland Orchestra.
The Middlefield Veterans of Foreign Wars is raising funds for veterans in need. Tickets are $36.50 and participants will be picked up at 5:30 p.m. July 4 at the VFW post, 16013 East High St. in Middlefield Village. A tram will pick up at the Precious Cargo motor coach and deliver near the pavilion.
Call the VFW Post, 440-632-1257, or Kathy, 440-228-7248.