5 big ways to celebrate the 4th of July in Butler County

When it comes to celebrating the Fourth of July around here, the bad news is there’s no big downtown event that’s on the same scale as, say, the WEBN Labor Day Fireworks. The good news is there are several Fourth of July commemorations and festivals right here in our backyard, which are not only closer but also less crowded, parking isn’t a major headache, and you don’t have to go anywhere near I-75.

RED WHITE AND KABOOM: FIREWORKS OVER FAIRFIELD

The biggest Fourth of July celebration in Butler County happens in Fairfield. You can view Rozzi’s Famous Fireworks from four separate locations, which are as follows:

• Harbin Park (1300 Hunter Road)

Food vendors: Sweets & Meats BBQ, U-Lucky Dawg, Patriot Grill, Taste of Mexico, Dreamy Whip, Graeter’s, Meteorite Ice

Live music: The Soul Pocket (party and dance music trio)

Cost: Free

Party start time: 5 p.m.

• Village Green Park (301 Wessel Drive)

Food vendors: Remi Js Barbecue, El Rancho Nuevo Food Truck, Donato’s Pizza, The Dawghouse, Fabulous Funnel Cakes and More, Kona Ice

Live music: The Whammies (1980s New Wave and pop hits)

Cost: Free

Party start time: 8 p.m.

• Marsh Lake (6440 River Road, Fairfield)

Activities: Fishing

Cost: $5 (free for season pass holders)

Party start time: 5 p.m.

• Fairfield Aquatic Center (2605 Augusta Blvd.)

Activities: Swimming, games, food specials, DJ music

Cost: $5 (free for season pass holders)

Party start time: 7 p.m.

HOW TO GO

When: July 3

Fireworks: 10:30 p.m.

More info: 513-867-5300 or visit www.fairfield-city.org.

OXFORD FREEDOM FESTIVAL

The city of Miami U is throwing a family-friendly 4th of July celebration that includes activities, community booths, entertainment and Rozzi’s fireworks.

Activities: Zip line, climbing wall, extreme obstacle course, inflatable slide and home run challenge, petting zoo, kiddie train, face painting

Pie baking contest: The pike baking contest will give out cash prizes for first- ($75), second- ($50), and third-place ($25) winners. You must be an amateur who bakes pies from scratch. Pies will be judged on taste, appearance, color and texture, and filling consistency.

Community booths: Expect to see local vendors, wildlife organizations, and sports leagues.

Entertainment: DJ, door prizes, concessions

HOW TO GO

When: July 3

Where: Oxford Community Park, 6801 Fairfield Road, Oxford

Cost: $5 per car

Party start time: 6 p.m.

Fireworks: 10 p.m.

More info: 513-523-8687 or www.enjoyoxford.org.

HAMILTON 4TH OF JULY PARADE AND FESTIVAL

Hamilton’s 4th of July celebration includes a parade, patriotic and educational activities, and entertainment.

Parade: The parade will form at the Butler County Courthouse, 10 High St., at 10 a.m. It will meander down Dayton Street, turn onto High Street at 7th and end back at the courthouse.

Patriotic activities: The Hamilton Concert Band will perform at the courthouse, starting at 10 a.m. Mayor Pat Moeller will preside over a patriotic ceremony at noon.

Educational activities: There will be open houses at the Heritage Hall (20 High St.), the Monument (1 S. Monument Ave.), and The Butler County Historical Society (327 N. 2nd St.) from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. There will also be Native American and living history demonstrations at Monument Park (15 Monument Ave.) from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Entertainment: Taste of Hamilton food trucks will be open for business at the courthouse at 10 a.m. Fireworks will shoot off at Veterans Park (20 New London Road).

HOW TO GO

When: July 4

Cost: Free

Party start time: 10 a.m.

Fireworks: 10 p.m.

More info: 513-785-7000 or www.hamilton-city.org.

4TH OF JULY IN LIBERTY TOWNSHIP

Liberty Township will be throwing a parade in honor of America’s birthday. The parade will form at Lakota East High School (6840 Lakota Lane) at 9 a.m., proceed to Wyandot Lane, and circle back to the high school.

HOW TO GO

When: July 4

Cost: Free

More info: 513-759-7500 or www.liberty-township.com

RED WHITE AND BLUE ASH

One of the Tri-State’s biggest 4th of July parties includes food, drinks, family activities, and national-level musical guests.

Entertainment: Natalie Brady (“The Voice”) & the Nite Owls will open at 6 p.m. The 1970s classic progressive rock band, Kansas, will headline at 8 p.m. Fireworks will follow.

HOW TO GO

When: July 4

Where: Summit Park, 4335 Glendale Milford Road, Blue Ash

Party start time: 4 p.m.

Fireworks: 10 p.m.

Cost: Free

More info: www.blueashevents.com.

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