LOVELAND MAGAZINE

News and Events from the Loveland, Ohio Area

Without fear or favor
Since 2004

Tag: 4th of july

  • Event schedule for Loveland Independence Day Celebration on Friday

    Event schedule for Loveland Independence Day Celebration on Friday

    Loveland, Ohio – The Grand Marshal of the parade is DVD Brew. The parade will leave from the Loveland Elementary School (600 Loveland-Madeira Road) at 2 PM, turn onto West Loveland Avenue, travel through the West Loveland Historic, crossing over the Col. Thomas Paxton bridge and ending at the intersection of State Route 48/Second Street and East Loveland Avenue in the Downtown Historic District.

    FREE parking shuttles will run continuously

    • Shuttle pick-up locations will be at Loveland High School (1 Tiger Trail) and the Loveland Early Childhood Center (6740 Loveland-Miamiville Road).
    • Drop-off locations will be at Riverside Drive (near Veterans’ Memorial) and Third Street (near fire station).
    • Eventgoers will need to walk to the festivities from the drop-off locations.

    Buddy Badges Are Back – There will be roaming sales and a tent on Railroad Avenue. Prize Redemption will be at the gazebo in Nisbet Park. All sales benefit The Kiwanis Club of Greater Loveland.

    Food Trucks: Loveland Dairy Whip, Fabulous Funnel Cakes, Donut NV, Schmidt’s Sausage Truck, El Vaquero, Mama Bear Mac, Cousins Maine Lobster, and Chili Hut near Nisbet Park.  Jay’s Fish Taco at Narrow Path & Bagel Deli at Cappy’s.

    Buckeye Pedal Pullers: New this year for children ages 4-11. Experience a pedal pull (similar to a tractor pull). There is an opportunity to advance to regional and national competitions. Registration will be day of the event from 4 until 5 PM and the event begins at 5 PM. Participants will receive a ribbon with trophy’s for winners. For more information, visit http://www.buckeyepedalpullers.net/

    Scavenger Hunt: Click this link for complete details. Winners will be entered to win a gift basket!

    Railroad Ave Stage Schedule:

    • 4 PM         Heads or Tails
    • 5 PM         Team Spelling Bee
    • 6:30 PM    Uncle Sam and Betsy Ross Look-Alike Contest
    • 7PM          Pie Eating Contest
    • 7:30 PM    Kids Dance Party
    • 8 PM         Arm Wrestling Championship Round

    Heads Or Tails: Meet at the stage on Railroad Avenue at 4 PM. When the announcer starts the game, select Heads by putting your hands on your head OR select Tails by putting your hands on your bottom. When everyone is set, the announcer will flip a coin. If it lands on heads, everyone that guessed heads moves on. If you guessed wrong, you’re out. The game continues until one winner remains to collect their $20 gift card prize. There will be a total of 5 rounds, starting at 4 PM and then every 10 minutes after, ending at 5 PM.

    Children’s Dance Party: A 30-minute children’s dance party at 7:30 PM.

    Pie Eating Contest: Sign up at the city booth or on Railroad Avenue the day of the contest, or register here prior to the event.

    Arm Wrestling Championship Round: At 8 PM.

    Betsy Ross and Uncle Sam Look-Alike Contest: At the Railroad Ave stage at 6:30 PM. The contest is open to everyone of all ages. Sign up at the link below or up to an hour before the contest starts. All participants will be asked to be at the stage on Railroad Ave. by 6:15 PM. Register at this link

    Adult Team Spelling Bee: Teams of up to 3 adults (18+ years and older); $15 entry fee per team (Payment is due the day of event at the City booth located on Railroad Avenue); One mulligan (second chance) available for $5—must be purchased at registration. Contact Julie @ jrobinson@lovelandoh.gov with any questions. There is a maximum limit of 20 teams, waitlist available. Register at this link

  • 4th Fireworks in Loveland by Deidre Evans Hazelbaker

    4th Fireworks in Loveland by Deidre Evans Hazelbaker

    Loveland, Ohio – Resident, Deidre Evans Hazelbaker took this photo of the fireworks on the 4th of July from her vantage point on top of the Hanna Avenue hill, the Baptist church on Broadway.

  • 4th of July “live” with Cassie Mattia

    4th of July “live” with Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio – Cassie remains beyond excited that she was back for another year to be “live” on FaceBook to narrate the annual Loveland 4th of July Parade. For those of you that couldn’t make it to the celebration this year Cassie hopes that she can make you feel as though you had front-row seats at the parade and feel you were a part of all the patriotic action!

    It was the largest 4th of July Parade to date! If you missed it, watch now!

  • Bob Kessler caught the rockets being launched from Kiwanis Park

    Bob Kessler caught the rockets being launched from Kiwanis Park

    Loveland Photographer Bob Kessler 3-stories high at the Loveland Stage Company in 2017.

    Loveland, Ohio – These photos of City Hall’s fireworks show on the 4th of July were taken by resident Bob Kessler. Bob shot these photos from the bank of the State and National Scenic Little Miami River across from Kiwanis Park where each rocket was sent into orbit. Bob was on the small beach at Nisbet Park.

    Click on a photo to enlarge them and scroll to see them all. (All photos © Bob Kessler 2023.)

  • Loveland, Ohio’s 4th of July Parade photos and video

    Loveland, Ohio’s 4th of July Parade photos and video

    Loveland, Ohio – Here are the photos and video we shot during last Tuesday’s parade from our vantage point around the Town Clock on West Loveland Avenue. The still photos were taken by reporter, Sean Behling.

  • Accessible parking spots and bathrooms for 4th of July in Loveland

    Accessible parking spots and bathrooms for 4th of July in Loveland

    Loveland, Ohio – Special events must provide additional accessible parking and restrooms based on the anticipated number of people who will attend. After our request, City Hall has provided Loveland Magazine with some information for persons with a disability who may need parking spots, accessible bathrooms, or shuttle service for the 4th of July event that will be held in Historic Downtown. Loveland Magazine has provided additional information.

    • The accessible restrooms at the Loveland Bike Trail will be open at Nisbet Park.

    • There will be accessible portable toilets placed along/near the Loveland Bike Trail in the Linda J. Cox Trailside Parking lot, near Browns Crossing, and near Harrison Avenue.

    Map of Historic Downtown.

    • For the downtown vicinity, there are existing accessible parking spots at Nisbet Park, the Firefighters’ Memorial, City Hall, and Linda J. Cox Trailside Parking lot.

    • There will also be added, temporary accessible parking spots along the Loveland Bike Trail near Nisbet Park.

    • The shuttle service to the festival is not accessible for persons with a disability.

    According to the guidance of the ADA National Network, “Temporary events celebrate and support a “sense of community” and must encourage participation by all people.” (A Planning Guide for Making Temporary Events Accessible to People with Disabilities)

    Here is the complete guide to Loveland’s 4th of July celebration:

    Everything you need to know: 4th of July events in…

     

  • Everything you need to know: 4th of July events in Loveland, Ohio

    Everything you need to know: 4th of July events in Loveland, Ohio

     

    Right Click to Enlarge Map

    Download, save to your phone or tablet or print map

    David Miller is the managing Editor of Loveland Magazine

    by David Miller

    Loveland, Ohio – Special events must provide additional accessible parking and restrooms based on the anticipated number of people who will attend. After our request, City Hall has provided Loveland Magazine with some information for persons with a disability who may need parking spots, accessible bathrooms, or shuttle service for the 4th of July event that will be held in Historic Downtown. Loveland Magazine has provided additional information.

    • The accessible restrooms at the Loveland Bike Trail will be open at Nisbet Park.

    • There will be accessible portable toilets placed along/near the Loveland Bike Trail in the Linda J. Cox Trailside Parking lot, near Browns Crossing, and near Harrison Avenue.

    Map of Historic Downtown.

    • For the downtown vicinity, there are existing accessible parking spots at Nisbet Park, the Firefighters’ Memorial, City Hall, and Linda J. Cox Trailside Parking lot.

    • There will also be added, temporary accessible parking spots along the Loveland Bike Trail near Nisbet Park.

    • The shuttle service to the festival is not accessible for persons with a disability.

    Here is the guide to the day’s activities

    Railroad Avenue will be temporarily closed from 2 PM until 11 PM to through traffic on July 4th. There will also be a temporary road closure along the parade route from approximately 6:30 PM until 8:30 PM.

    The Parade Route

    • The parade starts on Loveland-Madeira Road near the Loveland Elementary School at 7 PM.
    • It proceeds north on Loveland-Madeira Road to West Loveland Avenue.
    • The parade ends at West Loveland Avenue and the State Route 48/Second Street intersection.

    West Loveland Avenue will be closed from Riverside Drive to Karl Brown Way During the fireworks from approximately 10 PM until 10:30 PM.

    Parking Restrictions

    Some parking will be restricted due to parade and shuttle routes. Some parking spaces will be affected on the following streets:

    • West Loveland Avenue in Historic Downtown
    • Park Avenue
    • Riverside Drive
    • Third Street
    • Railroad Avenue
    • Harrison Avenue

    Kiwanis Park, including the Matt Haverkamp Foundation Dog Park, will be closed to event parking. In addition, the dog park will close at noon on July 4.

    Parking in Historic Downtown

    The city operates more than 10 free public lots. View parking map.

    Parking fees will be waived in the City Hall/Works lot on July 4.

    Keep in mind there are also private lots throughout Historic Downtown and fees may be charged.

    Right Click to Enlarge Map

    Shuttle 

    There are FREE shuttle rides that will run continuously from 4 PM until 11 PM.

    The shuttle is not accessible to persons with a handicap.

    Park-and-ride shuttle locations will be at Loveland High School (1 Tiger Trail) and the Loveland Early Childhood Center (6740 Loveland-Miamiville Road). Drop-off locations will be at Riverside Drive (near Veterans’ Memorial) and Third Street (near Whistle Stop Clay Works).

    A free concert by the band, Pandora Effect be at the Nisbet Park Amphitheater from 8 PM until 10 PM. The band played in the FanZone at GABP when the Atlanta Braves were in town for a sold-out game.

    More

    Concert & Cornhole Tournament — 3 PM until 6 PM — Jackson Street Market

    Live music by Thing1Thing2.

    Kid Zone — 4 PM until 6:30 PM — Nisbet Park

    • Meet an FC Cincinnati player
    • Games
    • Reptile petting zoo
    • The Loveland Frog, princesses, and superheroes
    • Loveland High School Robotics Team
    • Martial arts and dance/gymnastics demos
    • Photo opportunities
    • SURPRISE live entertainment
    • And more

    Lawn Games — 4 PM until 6:30 PM — Fountain Greene (Near Fleet Feet)
    NEST Community Learning Center will host lawn games.

    Yankee Doodle Dog Show — 4 PM — Nisbet Park
    Meet at 3:45 PM at the Clock Tower in Downtown Loveland (near the Bike Trail crossing). Dogs will parade toward Nisbet Park at 4 PM. Three dogs will be selected as best-dressed winners and will receive a prize basket from Pet Wants.

    Water Zone — 4 PM until 8 PM — City Hall Lawn
    There will be a giant inflatable water slide and misting fans, plus a splash station for little ones.

    Food Trucks — 4 PM until 10 PM
    Food truck vendors will be available throughout the downtown area.

    Bingo — 5 PM & 8:30 PM — City Hall
    Take a break from the heat to play a few cards of bingo! An afternoon and evening session will be held. Prizes for game winners. Monetary donations will be accepted with all proceeds going toward the Ben Morrison Memorial Fund, which provides scholarships to Loveland High School seniors.

    Kids’ Bike Contest — 6:15 PM — Loveland Elementary School
    Decorate your bike/scooter/tricycle for the holiday, and meet at Loveland Elementary School (600 Loveland-Madeira Road) to take part in this annual tradition. Children will gather and then take part in the parade at 7 PM. Trailside Provisions has donated prizes for the top 3 entries.

    Pie Eating Contest — 8:30 PM — Little Miami Conservancy at Nisbet Park (Little Miami Scenic River and Trail Center)
    There is an online signup to help gauge interest. Pre-register if you would like to participate.
  • Today is the 4th of July, and each stripe and every star is there, messy as it is

    Today is the 4th of July, and each stripe and every star is there, messy as it is

    I smiled and thanked him. “Not sure how long it will last this time,” I said, “but we’ll see.”

    by Stefanie Badders Laufersweiler

    “Patriotism” has taken on so many different and sometimes wildly varying meanings and interpretations that even the word itself feels divisive, a point of constant contention. A contest rather than a coming together. Who is truly a patriot and who isn’t? Are you patriotic enough, or at all? Do your views, does your existence, insult the very idea of patriotism?

    I wish we could throw out the word and find another.

    It feels loaded, weaponized, and as worn out as this flag that someone painted at the edge of our dock. A few flags have come and gone in that same spot over the years. Fresh paint from some well-meaning fellow lake-goer always gives way to waves and wind that batter the concrete over time. But, someone always repaints it, eventually.

    Today is the 4th of July, and some (like me) woke up not really feeling it. For those reeling from recent events (take your pick), it feels disingenuous right now to celebrate independence, unity and democracy as they relate to America. For others, it feels more celebratory this year; for some, it may feel the same way it does pretty much every year. And we all manage to offend each other with our individual takes, long after the fireworks and barbecues are over.

    I still love this country, even when it’s hard. Even when I believe we have endless work to do to make it a better place. Even when it doesn’t feel all that united. Even when the weight of our differences, our inequities and our struggles feels incredibly heavy. Because, perpetually, underneath all of that is hope.

    I still love this country, even when it’s hard.

    Hope is what powers and empowers us. To keep trying, and talking. To show up always, or anyway. To set boundaries, but still leave a door cracked. To appreciate what’s been done that we can be proud of, while acknowledging there’s still much more to do, because this country is, if anything, a work in progress.

    Today I walked down to the dock with some brushes and got to work repainting that worn-out flag. I didn’t do it perfectly; the stars barely resemble stars, and the stripes run into each other in places. But each stripe and every star is there, messy as it is. It got me wondering who painted it in the first place, and who repainted it after that.

    As I packed up my painting supplies, I wished a father and his son good luck as their fishing lines hung over rail.

    “It looks great,” the dad told me, eyeing the fresh paint. “It’s needed to be done for a while.”

    I smiled and thanked him. “Not sure how long it will last this time,” I said, “but we’ll see.”

  • The 411@Loveland’s 4th of July

    The 411@Loveland’s 4th of July

    Loveland, Ohio – For area residents choosing to celebrate freedom and independence this 2022 Independence Day, here is some information from City Hall.

    Many events will be taking place in Nisbet Park. 

     A kid zone with photo opportunities, a mini petting zoo, performers and more will occur 4-6:30 PM in Nisbet Park. Lawn games will be available from 4-9:30 PM in front of City Hall and Fountain Greene (in front of the Fleet Feet store).

    At 7 PM, the parade will leave from Loveland Elementary School (600 Loveland Madeira Road), turn on West Loveland Avenue, and travel through the downtown district, ending at the intersection of State Route 48 and East Loveland Avenue. If you or your organization would like to be in the parade, registration is open through June 30.

    The band Color Blind will perform from 8-10 PM at the Nisbet Park Amphitheater. This “high-energy party band” performs songs from the 1970s to current radio hits.

    The fireworks display will begin at 10 PM and be visible across the downtown area. 

    In addition, food trucks will be at the event. Visitors also can enjoy the city’s Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA).

    Parking shuttles will be transporting eventgoers continuously from 4-11 PM. Shuttle pick-up locations will be at Loveland High School (1 Tiger Trail) and the Loveland Early Childhood Center (6740 Loveland-Miamiville Road). Drop-off locations will be at Riverside Drive and Third Street.

  • The 2021 4th of July Loveland Parade Stayed True to America’s Red, White, and Blue!

    The 2021 4th of July Loveland Parade Stayed True to America’s Red, White, and Blue!

    Cassie Mattia’s Latest Loveland Salad includes all of Downtown’s 4th of July Festivities!

    by Cassie Mattia,

    Loveland, Ohio – The streets of Loveland were filled with patriotism as the community gathered around to enjoy one phenomenal 2021 Independence Day Celebration in the heart of Downtown!

    Last year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Loveland’s 4th of July celebration was canceled so many Americans across Cincinnati missed out on celebrating America’s birthday Loveland-style. In preparation for this year’s celebration, many didn’t know what to expect, but as the 4th of July drew nearer one thing became clear; friends, families, and community members wanted to bring in Independence Day together with a bang. That couldn’t have been more true as the Loveland 2021 4th of July celebration kicked off at Noon and the sea of red, white, and blue filled Downtown Historic Loveland.

    The beautiful sunny day was filled with activities, local vendor booths, food trucks, live music, and rides for the kids. At 4 PM Nisbet Park hosted the “Kids Zone,” which included exotic animals on display, potato sack races, martial arts, face painting, jugglers on stilts, the Loveland Robotics Team, pirates, inflatables, festival rides, and much more!

    There was of course no shortage of food and drinks as the local food trucks rolled into Downtown Loveland at 4 PM as well. Crowds of festive Americans had the choice of lining up to receive ice cream from the Loveland Dairy Whip, 4th of July grill out cuisine from The Right Stuff Grill, delicious Southeast Asian-style food from the Sea Cuisine Food Truck, unique burgers and sandwiches from Stellar Street Eats, on-the-spot homemade lemonade at The Lemonade Stand, or a mouth-watering smoothie from The Smoothie King Food Truck.

    As civilians ventured down the Loveland Bike Trail live patriotic music filled the air, creating an unbelievable atmosphere throughout Downtown Loveland. Russel Kuzuhara performed at Jackson Street Market as adults enjoyed nice cold beverages from the beer booth. Later the Bluewater Kings Band took the stage at the Nisbet Park Amphitheater as friends and families danced to the high-energy 6 piece ensemble.

    The featured event of the night was the Loveland Parade, which brought in hundreds of Americans from all over the Cincinnati area just to catch a glimpse of patriotism in its best form! As local organizations, businesses, churches, Disney Princesses, circus performers, the LPD, the Loveland-Symmes Fire Department, and city officials made their way down West Loveland Avenue in their decked-out Americana vehicles kids lined the streets with their families for candy, popsicles, and even toothbrushes tossed out by those in the parade. The atmosphere couldn’t have been more perfect for those that attended and of course, the community felt more united than ever before!

    I was lucky enough to get the opportunity to commentate the entire parade while Loveland Magazine’s Editor, David Miller, streamed all of the action on Facebook Live for those who wanted to enjoy the Loveland Parade from their homes or vacation spots.

    If you missed out on the 2021 4th of July Loveland Parade check out part 1 and part 2 of Loveland Magazine TV’s Facebook Live footage below!

    https://www.facebook.com/361028064446/videos/545819269757466

    As the sunset on Downtown Loveland, people began to claim their front row seats to the Annual Loveland Firework Show that started promptly at 10 PM. The firework show didn’t disappoint as friends and families camped out on blankets and lawn chairs while staring into the beautifully lit sky! Loveland’s Independence Day celebration ended with a firework grand finale that left those who were watching with an overwhelming feeling of love for America and the Americans surrounding them.

    If you weren’t able to catch Loveland’s 2021 4th of July festivities, check out the videos below captured by David Miller on Loveland Magazine TV and the photos taken by Alex Eicher and Bob Kessler!

    Loveland 4th of July Firework Photos by Alex Eicher

    Check out these videos taken by David Miller on Loveland Magazine TV from Loveland’s Independence Day Celebration!

    Loveland 4th of July Firework Photos by Bob Kessler

    Bob Kessler took these particular photos from the East bank of the Little Miami River looking towards the Tufts Schildmeyer Family Funeral Home. (All Photos © 2021 Bob Kessler)

    For more of the latest Loveland event coverage stay tuned to the Loveland Salad With Me, Cassie Mattia!