Blanchester^s annual Independence Day celebration will once again feature a full day of activities running from nearly dawn to dusk. Most of the July 4 festivities take place in the heart of Blanchester around the village^s municipal building. “Red, White & Blue” is this year^s theme.
The day kicks off at 7 a.m. with registration for the 5K Run/Walk. The race begins at 8 a.m. The registration fee is $5.
The “Red, White & Blue” theme continues with the annual parade at 11 a.m. The parade features a number of floats, antique tractors, classic cars and bands. Registration begins at 9 a.m. The top three business floats and top three civic organization floats, as determined by the judges, will earn trophies.
The parade will be followed by the opening ceremony at noon, with the opening of rides, also will be a cornhole tournament this year beginning at 1 p.m. Teams may begin registering at 10 a.m. There is a $5 registration fee.
Anyone interested in transportation of the two-wheel variety will not want to miss the second annual Cricket Homes Motorcycle Show held along Main Street. Participants may register (for $12) from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Trophies will be presented at 3:30 p.m. For more information, call Allan Baker at 513-532-2145.
The day features a full slate of musical entertainment beginning at noon. WKFI radio^s Joe Mullins and the Radio Ramblers return for a 7:30 p.m. performance. Other featured groups performing include Hoping for Haley, the George Brothers, Eastern Sky and Paul Crisp^s Church of the Nazarene ensemble. There also will be line dancing and square dancing.
The day^s festivities, sponsored by the Blanchester Area Chamber of Commerce, culminate with the fireworks show at Blanchester High School beginning at about 10 p.m.
