The Fourth of July is just around the corner, and to help you plan your festivities, we wanted to keep you up-to-date about what's happening in Fairlawn.

Because July 4 falls on a Wednesday, fireworks will be held between 8 and 10 p.m. on July 1 at Bicentennial Park. Celebrate with your family by listening to the Brass Band of the Western Reserve play patriotic tunes, followed by fireworks.

The event is free to the public, but the Fairlawn Parks and Recreation Department asks families not to park on either side of Bancroft Road from West Market Street to Elgin Drive, or on either side of Stanley from Bancroft to Elgin Drive.

Alcoholic beverages are not permitted in the park, but families can bring a picnic dinner or snacks. Pets are also permitted, but they must be kept on a leash, and owner are asked to clean up after their animals.
 
Shuttle services will be provided by Petermann school bus lines from the east end of Summit Mall (Dillard’s parking lot) beginning at 6 p.m. to the Fairlawn-Kiwanis Community Center parking lot prior to the event and back to the mall after the show.

Also back this year is the Fairlawn Independence Day Parade, which will take place at 6:30 p.m. on July 4.

The parade steps off at the Fairlawn Town Center (Target plaza) and proceeds west to the Dillard’s parking lot at Summit Mall.

The American Judges Association will be awarding winners in the categories of floats, novelty, marching units and bands with trophies. Be sure to come to the reviewing stand in the Dillard’s parking lot after the parade for the awards ceremony hosted by Mayor Bill Roth.