Sunbury

This year’s Sunbury Independence Day celebration will have an expanded Fourth of July fireworks display with many families staying close to home for the holiday due to the sour economy.

The celebration traditionally has been a Big Walnut community-wide event drawing those from all of eastern Delaware County. Saturday begins with a 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Flea Market on the Square.

The 10thAnnual Memorial Volleyball Tournament begins at 9 a.m. at Big Walnut High School

There will be two volleyball tournament divisions this year, incorporating recreational and experienced levels of play. Both divisions begin play at 9 a.m., with registration at 8:15 a.m. to avoid parade traffic. The cost to play is $20 per player, which includes a tournament T-shirt. Bring lawn chairs, food, drinks (concessions will not be open) and canopies.

Alcohol is prohibited on school property. For additional information about the tournament, or to receive an entry form, contact Mark and Janet Lehman at 740-965-1292 or at mlehman884@aol.com to receive an entry form. In case of rain, the tournament may be canceled.


This year’s traditional Independence Day Parade through Sunbury, themed “Heroes Blazed Our Trails,” begins at 10 a.m. Parade registration forms are on the Chamber of Commerce web site at www.sunburybigwalnutchamber.com

• A football skills contest hosted by members of the Big Walnut Youth Athletic Association immediately follows the parade (at approximately 11 a.m.) at JR Smith Park. Sign-ups will be held at the park just prior to the start of the competition. For information, call Frank Roberto at 614-323-4015.

• At noon, sign-ups begin at the Big Walnut High School football field for fun frolics. A variety of traditional games are planned, including sack races, three legged races, egg toss, balloon toss and more. Prizes will be awarded in age categories from toddlers through young adults.

• A July Fourth concert will be presented by Big Walnut Community Chorus at 7 p.m. in the Big Walnut High School auditorium. Local fire departments will set up the new fire safety training smoke house in the lower parking lot by the high school football field from 7 to 10 p.m. to teach children basic fire safety.

Roger Bishop of Hyper Sounds Entertainment will serve as DJ from 8 to 10 p.m.

Big Walnut Athletic Boosters will provide concessions; stadium restrooms will be open throughout the evening. For more information about the Sunbury/Big Walnut Area Fourth of July Celebration, contact the chamber office at 740-965-2860.