Those looking to celebrate Independence Day with food, fireworks and music can find a variety of opportunities locally. Due to the holiday falling in the middle of the week, celebrations fall on July 4 and the days following. They include:
Thursday, July 4
Bluffton — The annual 4th of July firework display will begin at 10 p.m. and last approximately 20 minutes. Fireworks will be shot from the WEG parking lot just north of the Boys & Girls Club and are viewable from Bluffton High School. Wayne Street will be closed from Spring Street to State Road 116.
Markle — Beginning at 6 p.m. enjoy food and music from the Sunglasses at Night band at the Markle Fish & Game Club Park. Fireworks begin at dusk.
Decatur — Fireworks begin at dusk on July 4 at Riverside Park. Food will also be available from 5-9 p.m. at the Riverside Center and live music by Crush Bon Jovi starts at 7 p.m. The American Legion Color Guard will honor veterans with a ceremony at 9 p.m.
Berne — The Muensterberg Plaza and Clock Tower will host a golf cart parade beginning at 6:30 p.m., a concert by Gabe Bailey & Rock Steady play at 8 p.m. and fireworks will follow at dusk.
Huntington — Fireworks will begin at dusk on July 4 at Crestview, Parkview, and the YMCA.
Fort Wayne — Fireworks with the city of Fort Wayne and TinCaps will begin at 10 p.m., or whenever the game concludes. Fireworks will be shot off from the Indiana Michigan Power Center and can be viewed from Parkview Field and other downtown locations.
Friday, July 5
Ossian — Ossian Parks and Recreations will host their annual Fireworks On The Hill event at Archbold-Wilson Park on July 5. Beginning at 5 p.m., there will be music, food trucks, beer and wine slushies, kids activities and more. Fireworks start at dusk.
Saturday, July 6
Roanoke —Roanoke Park will host music and games beginning at 6 p.m. Fireworks will follow at dusk.
Geneva — Amishville USA Campground will host fireworks at 10 p.m.
Salamonie Summer
Festival, July 4-7
Warren — Warren’s Salamonie Summer Festival kicks off three days of festivity for the town. The activities begin with a volleyball tournament on July 4 — registration begins at 10 a.m. and the tournament starts at 1 p.m. at Tower Park.
The annual Samuel Jones Breakfast is at 7:30 a.m. on Friday, July 5, at the Warren Area Chamber of Commerce. Other Friday festivities include a family heirloom recipe contest at The Exchange from noon to 8 p.m., a flea market on the corner of 1st and Main streets from noon to 9 p.m., and a parade at 7 p.m.
The flea market and recipe contest return Saturday, with other events including a book sale at the Warren Public Library, a pancake and sausage breakfast given by Southern Wells Church, and a concert from Attaboy from 7-9 p.m. at Riverside Park.
A community worship service will be held Sunday at 10 a.m., and the weekend will conclude with fireworks beginning at dusk at Tower Park. Updates and a full list of events are available on the Salamonie Summer Festival Facebook page.
