The Queen City Celebrates America’s 250th
This year’s Fourth of July or Independence Day marks an important milestone in America’s history: the 250th anniversary of its creation. Here in Cincinnati, there are plenty of events to celebrate with this weekend, and even some extended events in case you miss these next couple of days. Indoor or outdoor, active or calm, there are plenty of stars-and-stripes-themed activities to take part in.
Starting Friday, July 3th, a series of patriotic parties will ensue. Sawyer Point and Yeatman’s Cove are coming together for an All-American Birthday Bash. Starting off the afternoon at 2 pm is a full car show at Sawyer Point complete with live music, as well as a partnership with Operation Thank You featuring a Veteran Village. The entire bash will be rounded off with a fireworks display ending at 10 pm.
Just down the road at the fittingly named Great American Ball Park, the Cincinnati Reds will have a game against the Baltimore Orioles the evening of July 3rd, but will be showcasing an extra festive experience on Saturday. Not only will the ball park be patriotically themed, but each fan in attendance will receive a USA themed hat, while supplies last. And in true Fourth fashion, the game will end with fireworks from the ball park. The venue has also named Saturday Veterans and Military Appreciation Day, so be on the lookout for discounts.
Just across the river, Newport on the Levee will be hosting a myriad of their own celebrations. On the evening of Friday the 3rd, the city will celebrate America’s 250th Birthday on the Levee at both the Newport Aquarium and Central Plazas, complete with performances by live DJs and bands, face painting and a patriotic photo opportunity with Lady Liberty. The same fireworks from Rozzi Fireworks and Sawyer Point will be visible as well, topping off the festivities. The Aquarium will also feature their event, Newport Aquarium Blast, where you can enjoy a picnic-style dinner, play yard games on the Riverside Room Outside Terrace, and have one of the best views of the fireworks on that side of the river.
More birthday bashes and celebrations continue into the Fourth of July itself, including Washington Park’s event, Northside’s Fourth of July Parade, Rhinegeist’s Independence Day Rooftop Party, MadTree’s Red, White and Blue Ash celebration at both Summit Park and Parks & Rec.
If firework displays are more of the focal point of your holiday weekend, several different areas around Greater Cincinnati will be hosting their own. Colerain Township’s will occur on July 3rd from 7 to 11 pm at Colerain Park, alongside food trucks, music and activities for the kids. On the same day, Bellevue, Kentucky will host their Red, White and Bellevue event from 6 to 11:30 pm, while Kings Island kicks off their weekend long Star Spangled Nights presented by M&M’s, ending each evening with their signature firework spectacular. On the Fourth of July, the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra and Riverbend will host their Red, White and Boom at the music venue.
If fireworks are not really your thing, you can revisit tradition and history with several exhibits and showcases available around the Cincinnati area. Starting at 9:30 am in Eden Park, twenty civic leaders from across Greater Cincinnati will take part in A Public Reading of the Declaration of Independence, accompanied by art booths and music performances. The Cincinnati Museum Center will host a revolutionary special exhibit called Declarative Acts and Revolutionary Actors from July 3rd to August 23rd featuring objects that fueled the revolution, and unsung heroes who helped make it happen. This exhibit will also feature a rare copy of the Declaration of Independence, a prototype of sorts that is older than the Declaration we remember today.
No matter which activities you choose to attend, we hope you have a wonderful Fourth of July weekend – and remember to stay cool!
