Happy 4th of July West Albany residents! Independence Day celebrations are among us, and the board would like to share events going on in the area, as well as safety tips and numbers to call in the event celebrations don’t go quite as planned.
Parades and Fireworks
- Columbus: Red, White & Boom, July 3, Downtown; parade, 5:30 p.m., begins on Main Street bridge, north on Front, ends at Front and Spring; fireworks, 10 p.m. Doo-Dah Parade, July 4, 1 p.m., begins on Park, west on Buttles, south on Dennison, west on Collins, north on Neil, east on 2nd, south on High, ends at Russell and High.
- Gahanna: Parade, 10:30 a.m., begins at Clark Hall, west on Granville, finishing at Royal Manor Plaza; Community Family Day, 5-9 p.m., Creekside Park and Plaza; fireworks, 10 p.m., Gahanna Municipal Golf Course.
- New Albany: Parade, 11 a.m., beginning at Church of the Resurrection, east on Dublin-Granville down Market to Main to High to Chatham Green; New Albany Evening Festival, 6:30 p.m., live music and food, New Albany High School; fireworks, dusk.
- Westerville: Parade, 1 p.m., from St. Paul’s Catholic Church down State to Electric; Rotary 5k Run/Walk, 8 a.m., Alum Creek Park North; Rotary Children’s Fun Run, 9:15 a.m.; Live music and entertainment, 2 p.m., South High School; fireworks, dusk.
- Granville: Parade, 10:45 a.m., along Broadway; street fair July 3-6, downtown Granville, entertainment, rides, concessions; Fireworks, July 5, 10 p.m., music at 8 p.m.,Wildwood Park.
- Johnstown: Fireworks, July 3, 8-11 p.m., at Racoon Creek near Rolling Meadows.
- Sunbury: Parade, 10 a.m., begins at Big Walnut High School, north on Columbus, east on Rt. 37 and ends back at the school; festivities on the square 7 a.m.-3 p.m., including activities for children starting at 11 a.m.; festivities at Big Walnut High School 6-11 p.m., including a 7 p.m. outhouse race and fireworks at dusk.
Safety Tips
- Pet Safety: The loud boom of fireworks adds to the impressive experience for many people across Central Ohio enjoying displays, but can spark panic in pets. Each year the 4th of July season marks a jump in the number of dogs turned in to animal shelters after running away from home. The best thing folks can do to avoid losing their dogs during fireworks is to leave them at home, in a secure room, in the house, or in their crate. Dogs that end up at Franklin County Animal Shelter will be put on hold for 3 days if the shelter is unable to find identification. For lost pets, call the shelter at (614) 525-3647, and be sure to put a notice up on the West Albany Nextdoor page as well as Pet FBI.
- Fireworks Safety: The best way to protect your family is not to use fireworks at home. Instead, attend public firework displays and leave the lighting to the professionals.If you do choose to light fireworks, please follow these safety tips:
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- Keep it legal, obey all local laws regarding the use of fireworks
- Always have an adult present
- Always read and follow the cautionary labels
- Never allow children to to play with or ignite fireworks
- Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not been fully ignited
- Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of a fire or mishap
- Light fireworks one at a time, then move away quickly
- Never make your own fireworks