Beginning at 4 p.m. there will be games for kids, raffles, and drawings.
This year food trucks will be on site instead of supper being prepared in the VFW’s kitchens, according to VFW Commander Dennis Brown.
The band Generation Gap will begin playing at 5:30 p.m. and play old time rock and roll and southern county music until 9:30 p.m., just before the program begins.
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It’s always good to show up early for this relaxed community time because you get a good parking spot for the evening. Be sure to bring a chair to sit in while you snack and visit with friends while waiting for the fireworks. Sunscreen and bug spray are also a good ideas for an Ohio summer event.
Finding a place to watch the fireworks from a distance might be more difficult this year since one of the favorite Enon watching lawns is now torn up for the construction of the new Greenon District School next to Indian Valley. Plan accordingly and set up early if you want to watch the fireworks from a distance.
Brown said they raised money for the fireworks through generous donations from the village, township, businesses and individuals. More donations will be accepted at the VFW July 3.
Fireworks are slated to start at dusk, but before the fireworks begin there is a presentation behind the VFW by the First Mad River Light Artillery and the George Rogers Clark Heritage Association.
These folks will be wearing Revolutionary soldier and militia uniforms as they demonstrate muskets and other weapons of the Revolutionary time period. At the end of their presentation a blast from the Clark County Park District’s authentic full sized Revolutionary War cannon will signal the start of the fireworks.
Cannon firing is rather spectacular to see in the dark and the perfect way to begin the fireworks. It is well worth getting to the VFW early to park and to see this. Don’t forget a chair.
On July 4, Enon will have its beloved Independence Day Parade. Sponsored by the Enon/Mad River Fire and EMS, this parade forms up at noon in the Indian Valley parking lot.
“Step off will be at 1,” said Jennifer Wendling head of this year’s parade committee. Her committee has been busy and promises a parade even better than last year’s.
Leading the parade will be the Honor Guard from Wright Patterson Air Force Base.
The parade will progress north up Xenia Drive and turn right before the Speedway onto East Main Street.
The parade will end at the Firehouse, where a community picnic will be held in the bays.
Grand Marshall this year is George Adams whose father was one of the founders of the original Enon Squad. He was also a volunteer himself for many years.
The FFA Queen, a Corvette Club, the park district’s full size Revolutionary War cannon and crew, scouts, politicians, public office holders, and floats by churches, clubs, and businesses fill up the procession. There will of course be candy, and trinkets thrown by some of the groups, so bring a bag.
Judges this year are the Grand Marshall, Mr. Adams, Elmer Beard, Chaplain and Mrs. Young from the Fire Department. Wendling is very pleased with the new trophies being awarded this year that were created by Glass Etch Studio in Mad River Township.
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Last in the procession, but never least, will be emergency vehicles from all over the area.
The emergency vehicle drivers love this part as they try to see who has the loudest sirens and horns.
As they have told me in the past, “It’s a celebration after all.”
There is no doubt about it. The end of the Enon Parade is really truly loud. I recommend ear protection if you or your child is sensitive to noise.
I remember decorating ear phones for our granddaughter when she was a toddler. She thought the red, white, and blue sparkling ear protection was cool and she wasn’t afraid.
Wendling also had some good advice for dog owners. While dogs are allowed to attend the parade with their owners, some get really upset by all the sirens (the dogs not the owners). Owners might want to consider leaving a pet home in a comfortable environment if it is distressed by loud sounds.
Wendling is hoping that Careflight will be able to fly over during the parade and that Premiere Health’s MICU ambulance will be on display if not in use.
The big community picnic at the firehouse is free to parade participants, and members of the village and township. However, Wendling said any donations in the jar at the beginning of the food tables would be appreciated, and used to offset the cost of the hot dogs and hamburgers.
I love this annual gathering of community members. It is one of my favorite events in town during the year. It gives us a chance to catch up with each other, chat with local officials, and meet new volunteers with the Fire and EMS Departments.
I hope everyone enjoys celebrating our very own unique American holiday. And be careful out there,
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