One pyrotechnic show is never enough.
It's Independence Day time, so get your fix of fireworks and fun around the region.
In Lima, the big show is always the Star Spangled Spectacular, held all day today at Faurot Park.
This free event will feature a variety of activities, music, food and more, said Bill Clinger, marketing director at The Lima News.
"With the fireworks, fabulous entertainment and exceptional kids' activities, we think this will be our best event ever," he said.
Highlights at the Star Spangled Spectacular include a volleyball tournament at 10 a.m.; a family kickball tournament at noon; a Lima Locos game at Simmons Field at 1 p.m.; a kid's zone with games and crafts from 1 to 9 p.m. and rides from 3 to 9 p.m.; live entertainment beginning at 1 p.m. with the Will Freed Band; and last but not least, fireworks at 10 p.m.
Elsewhere in the region, check out our list of local fireworks displays and festivities. Unless listed otherwise, these are free events.
Today
• The Star Spangled Spectacular will run all day today in Lima's Faurot Park. Activities include live music, kids' activities and crafts, and sports tournaments. Fireworks will begin at 10 p.m.
• Freedom Days '08 in Celina continues through Sunday at LakeShore Park on Grand Lake in Celina. Today's activities include a Freedom Walk, inflatable rides, a kiddie tractor pull, live music and fireworks at dusk. On July 5, check out the fishing derby, pageants and cornhole tournament, and eat barbecue, play bingo and listen to music July 6. On any day, lawn chairs are welcome, but no coolers are allowed.
• New Knoxville's Independence Day Celebration will run from 9 a.m. to midnight today. There will be a volleyball tournament, the band Backseat Driver at 8 p.m. and fireworks at 10 p.m.
• The annual St. Joe Festival in Wapakoneta continues at 11 a.m. today at the Auglaize County Fairgrounds in Wapakoneta. Enjoy live music, a cake wheel and food with fireworks at 10:30 p.m.
• Hancock County's fireworks will launch over the Hancock County Fairgrounds today. Spectators are welcome to enjoy food, rides and other activities starting at 4 p.m., with music by the band Tongue ‘n' Groove at 7 p.m. There will also be a gospel concert at 6 p.m. on the stage behind the horse barn.
• The Hancock Park District concession will be open today from 1 to 7 p.m. with public boat rentals available on a first come, first served basis. There will also be free watercraft rides for canoes, kayaks and pedal boats from 1 to 3 p.m. After 3 p.m., rates are $5 per half hour for all watercrafts.
• Kenton will celebrate the holiday today with Freedom Celebration 2008 at the Hardin County Fairgrounds. The itinerary includes a car show, antique tractor displays, a truck and tractor pull, a flea market and a 4 p.m. parade. Fireworks will begin at 10 p.m.
• Van Wert's annual Holiday at Home celebration will continue today with a pancake and sausage breakfast and a bike ride at 7 a.m. and a fun run at 9:30 a.m. The parade down Main Street will start at 11 a.m., followed by food and entertainment. Other activities include a car show, craft fair and wiffle ball. Check out the fireworks at dusk at the Van Wert County Airport.
• Sidney will host its annual fireworks display at Sidney High School. Fireworks are scheduled to begin at dusk.
July 5
• Indian Lake will play host to its Beach Spectacular and Fireworks on Saturday, beginning at 11 a.m. at Old Field Beach. Activities will include a car show, pageants, a cornhole tournament and the "Indian Lake's Got Talent" finals at 3 p.m. The fireworks display will begin at 10 p.m.
July 6
• Putnam County will have a fireworks celebration beginning at 7 p.m. Sunday at Country Acres Golf Course, 17374 U.S. Route 694, Ottawa. Enjoy activities for kids, games and inflatable rides while waiting for the fireworks display at 10 p.m. Bring a lawn chair, but no carry-in coolers are allowed. Parking is $2.
