The evening’s celebration begins with popular local musical groups performing outside on the campus grounds. The crowd-favorite fireworks display begins at dusk to the accompaniment of patriotic favorites performed live.
This event is free and open to the public. Parking is also free. A number of local vendors will be serving food and beverages. The public is encouraged to bring lawn chairs, picnics and blankets for a fun-filled evening of music and entertainment.
Friday, July 3, 2026
For the safety of our guests, we ask that you follow these guidelines:
Law enforcement officers are stationed around the campus for your safety. In the event of an emergency, please call 911.
After the event, the following traffic plan will be in effect. Please note the available exits, road closures and direction of traffic flow from the campus area.
Traffic will be directed north on Country Club Drive toward Sharon Valley Road. Cars may turn west (left) or east (right) onto Sharon Valley Road. Traffic turning east (right) will be directed onto King Road.
Traffic will be directed south on Country Club Drive. Cars may continue south on Country Club Drive to access OH-16E. Cars may turn west (right) onto Granville Road to access OH-16W. Cars will not be permitted to turn east (left) onto Granville Road.
Traffic will be directed east on Sharon Valley Road, then north (left) onto Hamilton Avenue and east (right) onto Moull Street to 21st Street.
Central Ohio Technical College and The Ohio State University seek food vendors to serve thousands of guests anticipated on the shared Newark campus for this event. Please note that submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance. Once notified, accepted vendors are required to pay a $150 fee and submit a certificate of insurance. Vendors are responsible for complying with the Licking County Health Department.
The vendor application will open in the spring.
On Sept. 18, 1999, a dedication ceremony featuring a concert and fireworks marked the completion of the Martha Grace Reese Amphitheater. Located at the heart of the shared Newark campus of Central Ohio Technical College and The Ohio State University at Newark, this multi-purpose amphitheater, covered by a permanent white canopy, was generously gifted to the community by Mr. and Mrs. J. Gilbert Reese and the Gilbert Reese Family Foundation. Named after Reese’s mother, Martha Grace Reese, the amphitheater serves as a cultural facility and gathering space for the community.
In 2000, through their foundation, Mr. and Mrs. Reese initiated the tradition of sponsoring the annual Independence Day Concert and Fireworks to capture the community camaraderie and celebratory fanfare of the dedication and make the community aware of the affordable and accessible education available locally at Ohio State Newark and COTC. Local musicians performed live music in the Martha Grace Reese Amphitheater, while families and friends gathered on the surrounding lawn to enjoy music, picnic, and embrace the sense of community and celebration. A fantastic fireworks display capped off the night.
Over 20 years later, the Independence Day Concert and Fireworks celebration continues to attract community members to the campus’s scenic central core, bringing together our community in a patriotic celebration. Around 25,000 Licking County residents attend this free, family-friendly event each year. The Gilbert Reese Family Foundation continues to proudly support this event as the founding sponsor in partnership with Central Ohio Technical College and Ohio State Newark.
