by Cassie Mattia

Loveland, Ohio – Families and friends came together to celebrate one of Loveland’s largest family events of the year, The Independence Day Celebration, in Loveland’s Historic Districts. The weather was a little unwilling to start off the evening, but as the clouds finally opened up and the sunshine cast down it rays, Loveland was ready to celebrate America’s birthday!

The Red, White and Blue festivities kicked off at 4 PM at the famous Loveland Tower Clock with performances by Inquire Without. Directly across the street, kids and adults lined the sidewalk to watch the Cincinnati Circus Stunt Show.

The stunt show duo provided families and friends with excellent 4th of July entertainment as they hula-hooped fire, twirled and flipped through the air using ariel ribbons and took a spin through the “Wheel of Death!” The Circus duo performed every hour throughout the evening switching up their routine to keep the audience engaged. Right next to the Cincinnati Circus Stunt show at City Hall, “N.E.S.T” created a “Family Fun Zone,” that featured family-friendly activities such as sack races, water balloon toss, hula hoop contests, three-legged races, patriotic crafts, watermelon seed spitting competition, and an apple pie baking contest!

The 4th of July spirit spread down the Little Miami Bike Trail to Nisbet Park as the Independence Day Parade hour drew nearer and nearer! Kids were spotted all over enjoying the “Kid Zone,” which included Cool Critter’s Outreach, Heavenward Farms Pony Rides, Foam Dance Party, Disney Characters, a Bounce House, Inflatable Games, Face Painting, Balloon Artists, Branches Church Photo Booth, and several food trucks. Families enjoyed everything from sprinkled ice cream cones at the Loveland Dairy Whip mobile truck, to warm, buttery pretzels from PretzelFuls, to good old fashion Farmhouse Lemonade.

Did I mention Bite Me Gourmet Corndogs was there as well serving up some unique corndog combinations?! In addition to the food trucks that camped out in Nisbet Park, there were also several other food trucks that offered some excellent summer cook-out food selections. Chocolate Freaking Bacon served up plenty of bacon at the Loveland Tower Clock, The Beerded Pig Food Truck of Ohio handed out their award-winning bbq combinations at Cappy’s, AJ’s Cheesesteaks sliced up some delicious sandwiches at Cindy’s, and The Italian Truck gave their guests the full Italian experience, street food style, at Narrow Path Brewing.

With food and drinks comes music and Loveland’s musical entertainment selections did not fail to do what they do best….ENTERTAIN! Cappy’s featured Rooster Ridge, Lyle’s Bikes, Brews & BBQ hosted Jason Ritchie and Frank Grasso, and Bishop’s Quarter featured DJ MoCool.

As the time drew closer to 7 PM, families and friends selected their favorite spots so that they could get the ultimate view of the parade! American flags hung high and the crowd showed off their best 4th of July wear as the sound of the Loveland-Symmes Fire Department truck rung throughout the streets, officially kicking off the 2019 Independence Day Parade. The parade featured dedicated Loveland community members, such as the Valentine Ladies, Loveland City School students in their most festive 4th of July gear and of course the Grand Marshall, Pat Furterer. Both Loveland Canoe and Kayak and The Loveland Museum Center made an appearance in the parade sporting their Red, White, and Blue as well as the Cincy River Rats and Spring Master’s Tumbling.

Those gathered in the West Loveland Historic District were cooled off in a “Wet Zone” provided by spray from the Loveland/Symmes Fire Department trucks

As the parade proceeded down Loveland Madeira Road into the West Loveland Historic District, and into the heart of Downtown, children lined the street with bags waiting for those who were in the parade to throw their candy! The Loveland Police Department, as well as many beautifully decorated floats representing organizations such as the Showboat Cloggers, Loveland United Methodist Church, Saint Columban Council 13813, and the Lawn Rangers of Chatham Woods, waved to the community. After the parade came to an end, families and neighbors gathered around the Loveland Tower Clock for a performance by The Whammies.

At 10 PM, Rozzi’s Fireworks rose above the river for the annual firework show for an excited crowd covered in Red, White, and Blue! Families and friends claimed their favorite viewing spots with blankets and lawn chairs all throughout Loveland. People were seen watching the unbelievable fireworks on the gigantic hill behind Loveland Station Apartments, on the Col. Thomas Paxton Bridge over Little Miami River and throughout downtown’s parks! People gathered at Loveland High School and friend’s homes in the West Loveland Historic District. Children and adults alike ‘oohed’ and ‘aahed’ as the fireworks lit up the sky and the City of Loveland. The fireworks ended with some very unique Independence Day themes. Everyone who attended the fireworks was not disappointed! After the fireworks, families and friends could not stop talking about how impressed they were with the show. It just proved to be the perfect ending to another successful Independence Day Celebration in Loveland!

If you missed out on the Independence Day Parade don’t worry, Loveland Magazine was lucky enough to capture some amazing moments from the event. Click the album below to see if we captured you and your family enjoying the holiday!