ATHENS COUNTY, Ohio — Next Saturday, July 4, marks the United States’ 250th Independence Day. As such, annual festivities will take place this year, plus special America250 events.
Thursday, July 2
2 p.m.: Learn how to make a wood block replica of an Uncle Sam hat and more at the 2nd of July Craft & Celebration. Open to all; includes refreshments, crafts and games. Coolville Public Library, 26401 Main St., Coolville.
3 p.m.: Stock up local produce and enjoy a community meal at the Chesterhill Produce Auction’s Independence Day potluck and auction. 8380 Wagoner Road, Chesterhill.
7 p.m.: A special edition of Under the Elms will feature an Independence Day Celebration, with Rod Miller as John Philip Sousa. Ohio University Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium, 47 E. Union St., Athens.
Friday, July 3
9 a.m.: Take some time to relax over the holiday weekend by Floating on the 4th on the Hocking River! Hosted by Adventure Pro Outdoors River Trips. 1299 E. Canal St., Nelsonville. *This event also takes place Saturday, July 4 and Sunday, July 5.
10 p.m.: City of Athens fireworks. East State Street, Athens.
Saturday, July 4 — Independence Day
4 p.m.: Picnic in the Park in Amesville features a parade and bike parade, followed by a picnic at 5:30 p.m. Hot dogs provided by the Ames and Bern townships trustees, and the village of Amesville, served by the Amesville Masonic Lodge. Amesville.
5 p.m.: Parking and vending opens for the 31st annual Thunder in the Valley at 5 p.m. and fireworks start at 10 p.m. Hocking College, Nelsonville.
6 p.m.: Second annual Fire in the Sky, featuring live music, fireworks, cornhole, kids games, volleyball and a bike parade. Sponsored by the Rome Township Volunteer Fire Department, Rome Township Trustees, Poston’s General Store, and the Old Lady Gang. Stewart.
7:30 p.m.: Hop aboard for the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway’s Fireworks Express for a three-hour, 22-mile train ride from Nelsonville to Logan and back. The train will arrive back in Nelsonville just in time for the Thunder in the Valley fireworks show. Admission: $22/adult, $20 for seniors and veterans, $17 children ages three–12. 33 W. Canal St., Nelsonville.
Uptown Athens
Find more information at www.athensfourthofjuly.com.
9 a.m.: Sidewalk chalk art, featuring a patriotic chalk challenge; chalk provided. Athens County Courthouse, 1 S. Court St., Athens.
10 a.m.: Patriotic bike parade for children ages five–12; lineup at Jaeger Funeral Home, 24 Morris Ave., Athens. Participants are encouraged to decorate their bikes, scooters and wagons. Commemorative water bottles will be provided to the first 250 participants. The parade proceeds from Morris Avenue and travels along East State Street, Carpenter Street and Court Street, before ending at the Southeast Ohio History Center, 24 W. State St., Athens.
Noon: Bell ringing and Declaration of Independence reading. Bells will ring at city hall at noon, followed by a public reading of the Declaration of Independence at the main stage. Intersection of Court and West State streets, Athens.
1 p.m.: Hot dog eating contest, hosted by Larry’s Dawg House. Main stage, intersection of Court and West State streets, Athens.
2 p.m.: Historic games competition, inspired by traditional American pastimes, featuring refreshments and prizes. Attendees are also encouraged to sign a commemorative banner. Southeast Ohio History Center, 24 W. State St., Athens.
3 p.m.: Boxing exhibition, presented by Hard Knocks and Sam’s Gym; will open with the national anthem and remarks from Athens’ own gold-medal Olympian, Gwyneth Philips. Main stage, intersection of Court and West State streets, Athens.
4 p.m.: Community picnic; bring picnic, chairs, blankets to enjoy live music by Bruce and Gay Dalzell, and Rylee Bapst Band. Free cake provided. Ohio University College Green, Athens.
7 p.m.: Live music through 10:45 p.m. Main stage, intersection of Court and West State streets, Athens.
Sunday, July 5
2 p.m.: Nelsonville Community Picnic, featuring games and activities for all ages. Bring a picnic setup and finish the day with a film screening. Public Square, Nelsonville.
