Delaware, OH – The annual Independence Day celebration in Delaware promises another All-American day filled with festivities, including a parade, outdoor concert, and fireworks. The events are scheduled for Tuesday, July 4, 2023, and are expected to draw an estimated 30,000 attendees.
The day’s activities will kick off with Delaware 4th of July parade, sponsored by Citizens for the 4th, will start promptly at 11 am, providing a vibrant display of patriotism and community pride. The change in the parade’s start time from the afternoon to the morning aims to accommodate more participants and spectators. Local organizations, schools, businesses, and community groups are invited to join the parade and contribute to the festive atmosphere. Those interested in participating can find the entry form on the event’s official website.
Residents and visitors are advised of street impacts during the parade. No parking will be allowed on July 4 from 9 am to 1 pm on Pennsylvania Avenue (from N Liberty St to N Sandusky St) and Sandusky Street (from Spring St to Pennsylvania Ave). Additionally, several sections of Henry Street and other surrounding streets will be closed during specific time intervals throughout the day. Motorists are encouraged to plan their routes accordingly.
Later in the day, at 7:30 pm, the Central Ohio Symphony will perform its traditional outdoor concert at Phillips Glen, located on the Ohio Wesleyan University campus. The concert is free to attend, and outdoor seating will be available on the Phillips Glen lawn.
Following the concert, the highly anticipated fireworks display will take place at approximately 10 pm. The fireworks will be launched from the City’s Cherry Street property. Spectators can enjoy the show from designated viewing grounds along Henry Street and the Ohio Wesleyan athletic fields.
To ensure the smooth flow of traffic and the safety of attendees, parking restrictions will be in place on various streets throughout the day. Streets where parking will not be permitted include Henry Street (from William St to Olentangy Ave), Wilmer St, Harrision St, Wootring St, and Weiser Ave (from Sandusky St to Henry St), Olentangy Ave (from Sandusky St to Armstrong Rd), Stratford Rd (from Olentangy Ave to 200 ft south of Olentangy Ave), Hayes St (entire length), and Armstrong Road (entire length). It is important for motorists to adhere to these parking regulations to avoid any inconvenience or penalties.
The city organizers have expressed their gratitude to the event’s sponsors and donors. Byers Auto Group, Meijer, and OhioHealth are the main sponsors of the fireworks display, each renewing their support for this annual spectacle. Other supporters include JEG’s Automotive, the Delaware Fraternal Order of Eagles, CT Consultants, Burgess & Niple, Holowicki McDonald’s, and First Commonwealth Bank. Their generous contributions, along with fundraising efforts, help cover the costs of the fireworks display.
Mayor Carolyn Kay Riggle expressed her appreciation for the community’s support, saying, “I am so thankful to our community partners who again have answered the call to help make this special day possible.”
Visitors are advised that the bikeway bridge over US23 will be closed during the fireworks show and will not be accessible as a viewing spot. However, the bridge will be open for public use before and after the show.
For the convenience of attendees, food truck vendors will be available on Hayes Street, serving food from around 5 pm onwards. Additionally, portable restrooms will be provided at several locations, including the OWU Building and Grounds parking lot by the OWU practice fields, outside the OWU Swimming Center, and outside the OWU softball field.
The City of Delaware sets an annual fundraising goal of $25,000 for the fireworks display. City funds are utilized for public safety, sanitation, and traffic control during all three events.
As the final preparations are made for this year’s Independence Day extravaganza, the City of Delaware encourages everyone to come together, celebrate the nation’s history, and embrace the patriotic spirit that unites the community. Whether attending the lively parade, relishing the enchanting concert, or marveling at the breathtaking fireworks, Delaware residents and visitors can look forward to an unforgettable Fourth of July celebration filled with joy, camaraderie, and the shared appreciation of freedom.
Oh yeah, do NOT forget to bring your lawn chair and water!