ATHENS COUNTY, Ohio — Summer is in full swing in Athens County. Here’s a look at what’s going on to celebrate Independence Day, Friday, July 4.
Thursday, July 3
3 p.m.: Join the Chesterhill Produce Auction for its annual Independence Day potluck and auction. 8380 Wagoner Road, Chesterhill. Potluck begins at 3 p.m., auction at 4 p.m.
7 p.m.: Take in summer sights and sounds at Under the Elms’ Independence Day celebration with Rod Miller as sousa. Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium, West Portico, College Green, 33 University Terrace, Athens. In case of rain, the performance will move into the auditorium.
10 p.m.: Athens will have its fireworks display on East State Street in Athens. Viewing and parking locations can be found along East State Street, including The Market on State and the soccer fields near Wal-Mart, among others. The fireworks will be let off near the Pepsi plant.
Friday, July 4 (Independence Day)
9 a.m through Sunday: Southeastern Ohio Jeepers and Athens County Crawlers 15th anniversary bash open ride. 4751 Gun Club Road, Athens. Includes a rock crawler competition. No fireworks. Admission: $30 per rig (including driver), $10 per person.
5–11 p.m.: 30th annual “Thunder In The Valley”, Hocking College, 3301 Hocking Parkway, Nelsonville.
- 5 p.m.: Parking at Hocking College opens.
- 7:30 p.m.: The Hocking Valley Scenic Railway 22-mile train ride to east Logan ends at display.
- 10 p.m.: Fireworks begin.
10 a.m.–4 p.m.; 7:30 p.m.: Good Works open houses and community dinner.
- 10 a.m.–4 p.m.: Good Works Timothy House: 91 Central Ave., Athens.
- 10 a.m.–4 p.m.: Good Works Sign of HOPE: 100 Central Ave., Athens.
- 10 a.m.–7:30 p.m.: Good Works Luhrig Road Property: 7857 Luhrig Road, Athens.
- 5:15 p.m.: Friday Night Life dinner; take-home food available.
6–10:30 p.m.: Find live music, games, fireworks, a parade and more at the Fire in the Sky Independence Day celebration in Stewart. Poston’s General Store, 8910 SR 144, Stewart. Hosted by Poston’s, the Rome Township Volunteer Fire Department, Rome Township Trustees and the Old Lady Gang.
Saturday, July 5
7:30 a.m.: Champions will receive buckles at the Albany Independent Fair’s goat and lamb show. Over 100 head competed last year. 5201 Washington Road, Albany.
9 a.m.–noon.: Load up on breakfast at Pancakes in the Park, 8493 Dairy Lane, Athens. Free. Hosted by CommonHouse church.
9 a.m.–3 p.m.: Make a few extra bucks — or spend some spare change — at the Federal Valley Resource Center’s yard sale. 8225 SR 329, Stewart. Vending space cost $10.
10 a.m.: Check out real local cowboys at the Ranch Rodeo, Smoke Rise Ranch, 6751 Hunterdon Road, Glouster.
5 p.m.: Catch a boat parade, kids activities and win prizes at Burr Oak Alive’s 11th annual BOAT FLOTILLA. 10660 Burr Oak Lodge Road, Glouster.
6 p.m.: Enjoy live music for a good cause at the summer Skate Jam fundraiser at Smiling Skull Saloon, 108 W. Union St., Athens. $10 cover.
Sunday, July 6
5:05 p.m.: What better way to celebrate Independence Day weekend than to cheer on Athens’ own baseball team at a Copperheads home game. Bob Wren Stadium, 140 S. Shafer St., Athens.
