CRESTLINE — Organizers are hoping this year’s Fourth of July celebration goes off with a bang.
Besides the traditional fireworks display at the old Hutson Stadium iste – set for July 3 at 10 p.m. – the Crestline Lions Club has teamed up with the Crestline Community Development Team to host the village’s first Freedom Celebration at the Gazebo Park in downtown.
The festival will open July 3 at 6 p.m. with plenty of food, games, raffles, face painting, a photo booth and other activities for young and old alike, including a Kids Patriotic Bike Contest and a Shoot the Loop and Car Decorating Contest, with prizes for the winners in each category.
“It’s been a fun partnership and it’s wonderful to have them on board,” said Lions Club secretary Bob Parr, whose group has sponsored the fireworks show for the last 10 years. “And this way, besides the fireworks, there’s a whole lot more for the community to enjoy this year.”
Rock and egg painting are also on tap, with the bike contest set for 7 p.m. Residents, he said, are encouraged to decorate their cars in red, white and blue and enter the Shoot the Loop and Car Decorating Contest which starts on Seltzer Street at 8 p.m.
Normal traffic laws are to be followed during the cruise, which will head to Bucyrus Street, down Park Road and Main Street, then back to Seltzer by 9 p.m. Parr said $300 in prizes and gift certificates will be awarded to different classes of decorated vehicles.
Although old Hutson Stadium will be closed to spectators due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Parr said residents may watch the fireworks show at nearby Hamilton Park on South Washington Avenue as well as at several areas around town that provide a good view.
“In the past the stadium gates were open, but we’re trying to make sure everyone is safe and as socially distanced as they can be,” Parr said. “We should have the same spectacular display, just as effective. Nobody should be disappointed this year, we hope.”
July 5 is the rain date for the Freedom Celebration, which planners hope will evolve into an annual event.
“For another group to come along and help the Lions make it better, we’re so pleased,” Parr said. “We see this as a real cooperative effort and a real plus for Crestline. It’s definitely a positive.”
The Lions Club is still accepting contributions to offset the fireworks cost. Donations should be made out the Lions Club Fourth of July Celebration and sent to Treasurer Robert Moorman, 4705 Tiro Rd., Tiro OH 44887.