Annual Independence Day Concert and Fireworks

The Gilbert Reese Family Foundation, Central Ohio Technical College (COTC), The Ohio State University at Newark, the Gilbert Reese Family Foundation and our community sponsors invite the public to join us for a fun-filled evening of music and entertainment.

The annual Independence Day Concert and Fireworks celebration will be held on July 3 from 5 – 10:30 p.m. at the shared campus of COTC and Ohio State Newark. Admission and parking are free.

Bring your lawn chairs and blankets, sit back, and enjoy live music from local bands. This year's performers include The Licking County 4-H Band, The Sticks and Stones, and the Heisey Wind Ensemble. Over 15 local food vendors and trucks will be stationed around campus, offering various food, treats and beverages. The evening will conclude with an awe-inspiring fireworks display.

Event Schedule

  • 5 p.m. Food venders open
  • 5:30 p.m. Licking County 4-H Band pre-show concert
  • 6:30 p.m Show Begins
    Welcome and opening remarks from COTC President John M. Berry, PhD
    Opening concert: The Sticks and Stones
  • 7:45 p.m. T-shirt canon and event announcements
  • 8 p.m. Flag Ceremony
    Flag Presentation: Boy Scout Troop 2
    National Anthem and concert from the Heisey Wind Ensemble
  • 10 p.m. Fireworks begin
  • 10:30 p.m. Encore: The Sticks and Stones

Reserving space on campus before 10 a.m. is prohibited. Please leave alcohol, tobacco products, grills, drones, pets and fireworks at home.

For more details, event rules, map, and public safety plan for road closures and traffic pattern changes after the event, visit go.osu.edu/fireworks.

Thank you to our community sponsors for making this year’s event possible:

  • The Energy Cooperative
  • Licking Memorial Health Systems
  • Park National Bank
  • Wilson, Shannon, and Snow