For the first time in five decades, the City of Bellefontaine will host its own Independence Day fireworks celebration, bringing a hometown tradition back to the community.
The celebration will take place on Friday, July 3, at Blue Jacket Park, where families can enjoy an afternoon and evening filled with food, entertainment, and patriotic festivities leading up to the fireworks display after sunset.
Activities begin at noon, with food trucks, local vendors, and family-friendly activities set up throughout the park.
Bellefontaine Mayor Dave Crissman talks about the day:
Residents are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs and spend the day celebrating with friends, neighbors, and visitors.
As darkness falls, spectators will be treated to a $50,000 fireworks spectacular featuring 2,800 fireworks launched over a 30-minute show.
The display will be synchronized to music on 98.3 WPKO, allowing spectators both at the park and around the community to enjoy the fireworks with a custom soundtrack.
The celebration is part of the city’s observance of America 250, commemorating the nation’s 250th anniversary while creating what organizers hope will become a renewed Independence Day tradition in Bellefontaine.
Police Chief Chris Marlow talks about traffic expectations:
City officials are also reminding those attending that alcohol is prohibited in city parks and on school property during the celebration to help ensure a safe, family-friendly event for everyone.
Organizers invite the entire community to come together to celebrate Independence Day and welcome back a fireworks tradition that Bellefontaine hasn’t seen in 50 years.
Additionally, a reminder that setting off fireworks within the city remains illegal.
According to Bellefontaine’s codified ordinances, City Council formally opted out of Ohio’s 2022 fireworks law and reaffirmed the city’s ban on discharging, igniting, or exploding fireworks within city limits.
While Ohio law allows many consumer fireworks to be used on certain holidays, Bellefontaine’s local ordinance prohibits residents from setting them off inside the city.
The ordinance does allow for approved public fireworks exhibitions, but those events must receive proper permits and meet safety requirements established by the city.
City officials are reminding residents to leave fireworks displays to licensed professionals.
Violations of the city’s fireworks ordinance can result in penalties under the city’s code.
Residents can review the city’s fireworks ordinance through the Bellefontaine Code of Ordinances.
