Delaware

City of Delaware residents will come together Saturday to celebrate the July Fourth holiday with a parade themed “Red, White and Blue,” a free outdoor concert and fireworks.

Other area celebrations also are planned over the three-day weekend. The parade, sponsored by the Delaware Optimist Club, steps off from the fairgrounds at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, travels through the downtown and should conclude by 12:30 p.m.

The parade route begins at the Liberty Street gate at the fairgrounds on Pennsylvania Avenue to Sandusky Street south to Wilmer Street. Registration will be at 9 a.m. at the fairgrounds. About 70 units, plus marching bands are expected to participate. The parade does not have a rain date, but will proceed in light rain. Awards will be given for the best of parade theme, most patriotic and best of youth.

To be judged, participants must be in their assigned places by 10 a.m. For any parade questions, please call Day at 740-363-8118.

Later Saturday evening, the Central Ohio Symphony’s annual outdoor concert is set for 8 p.m. on the Ohio Wesleyan University campus and will feature all-American music and the 1812 Overture. Picnic baskets, blankets and lawn chairs are encouraged.

Following the concert, the city’s fireworks display is set for 10 p.m. with the launch area on city property off Cherry Street. Prime viewing areas include the Ohio Wesleyan University practice fields and other areas along Henry Street

To provide for pedestrian safety, July Fourth parking restrictions and street closures will be in effect for the Henry Street area leading up to the fireworks. They include:

• No parking on Henry Street from William Street to Olentangy Avenue from 7 a.m. to midnight
• Henry Street (from William to Wilmer streets) will be closed to through traffic from 4 p.m. to midnight
• Henry Street (from Wilmer Street to Olentangy Avenue) will be closed to through traffic from 6 p.m. to midnight
• Restricted access to and from Henry Street living units/complexes after 6 p.m.
• The bikeway bridge over U.S. 23 will be open before and after the fireworks show; the bridge will be closed during the show and will not be available as a viewing spot.