LOVELAND MAGAZINE

News and Events from the Loveland, Ohio Area

Without fear or favor
Since 2004

Tag: Independence Day Celebration

  • Loveland Stayed True to the Red, White, and Blue at the Annual Independence Day Celebration

    Loveland Stayed True to the Red, White, and Blue at the Annual Independence Day Celebration

    Loveland Magazine writer, Cassie Mattia lives in Historic Downtown Loveland

    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.

    A photo by Sam Smith of people watching the fireworks from Loveland’s National Wild and Scenic Little Miami River. © 2019 Sam Smith/Loveland Magazine

    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!

    This photo was taken by Sam Smith from the vantage point of the access to Loveland’s National Wild and Scenic Little Miami River in Nisbet Park in Historic Downtown Loveland. © 2019 Sam Smith/Loveland Magazine

    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!

     

     

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  • Loveland: Ohio’s Hidden Gem

    Loveland: Ohio’s Hidden Gem

    The crowd waiting for 4th of July fireworks that will soon be bursting in the air over Historic Downtown Loveland.

    Upon move in day one can feel so many emotions, anxiety, excitement and uncertainty to name a few. The day I moved to Downtown Loveland I felt all those emotions and much more. Would I like living in the “Historic District,” where the theme of the town was to “Live, Laugh and Love?” Would I fit into such a close knit community? Would I be able to become more of an “outdoors women” with all the parks, lakes and bike trails at my fingertips? To my pleasant surprise Downtown Loveland’s small town vibe with a big city feel was exactly what I needed!

    When people unfamiliar with Loveland ask me to describe what it’s like to live Downtown I simply explain to them that Downtown Loveland to me is like an historic adventure with a modern twist. 

    My pup Nala on the balcony – taking in Historic Downtown.

    The historic Loveland adventure began with Colonel Thomas Paxton founding the small town in 1795. A number of years after in 1848 Paxton’s cousin, William Ramsey bought all 189 acres of the small town for a mere $7,300 and named it after the infamous James Loveland. In the present day Downtown Loveland has a number of ways they share and display their deep historic roots with the community, one being the Loveland Museum. Loveland’s community also pays tribute to several acts of American Heroism with beautiful memorials such as the Firefighters’ Memorial and the Veterans’ Memorial.

    Along the “Loveland Bike Trail” that runs parallel to the Little Miami River and through Historic Downtown Loveland. The Little Miami is designated a State and National “Scenic” river.

    One of most sought after historical landmarks that locals and out of towners come to enjoy is the Little Miami Bike Trail, established in 1984. The scenic trail goes on for 78 miles spanning across 5 counties while the Little Miami River goes on for 111 miles. Many Loveland locals and guests partake in activities such as canoeing, kayaking and bike riding, in which local businesses such as Loveland Canoe and Kayak and Loveland Bike Rental make it easy to rent out canoes, kayaks and bikes. If you’re not necessarily the type that enjoys biking or canoeing the Little Miami River offers its own little slice of paradise right off the bike trail where adults, children, and pets can cool off in the river or get a tan on the sandy banks. 

    The narrow path off the Loveland Bike Trail that leads to the 5-barrel brewhouse and taproom of Narrow Path Brewing Co.

    Also located on the bike trail is Nisbet Park where children can enjoy the playground and families can host picnics or special events under the large shelters, an amphitheater where local bands get the opportunity to celebrate their talents, and several unbelievable restaurants all sporting that “modern twist.” Though I have made it my mission to try all the local cuisine in Downtown Loveland some of my modern must tries are Fresh Press, Narrow Path Brewing Company, and Trailside Smokehouse while some of my historic Loveland go to’s are Bella’s, Paxton’s Grill, and The Works. For those like me that have a bit of a sweet tooth after eating dinner some must visit dessert spots are the Loveland Dairy Whip, Graeter’s, and Loveland Sweets.

    One of my historic Loveland go to’s is Bella’s.

    Downtown Loveland has erupted over the past several years bringing the local resident count to nearly 13,000. New local business openings and restaurants as well as historic hot spots have really made an impact on the community making Downtown Loveland not only the place to be but also the place to live. Being that I am a new resident I have explored the ins and outs of Downtown Loveland’s shopping, restaurants, events and art culture. Some great annual events that take place in Downtown Loveland are the Farmer’s Market, The Independence Day Celebration, and

    Christmas in Loveland. A few of the most culturally sound venues I recommend  is the Loveland Stage Company, an award winning community theater, and Whistle Stop Clay Works, where local artist Bonnie McNett held a “Pottery

    A glass of Bella’s wine.

    Affaire” last month. Of course one of several perks of living in Downtown Loveland is the shopping. There are several local unique shopping spots that are definitely worth seeing such as The Copper Pearl, Old is New Antiques, JackRabbit, Bond Furniture, and Plaid Room Records.

    After nearly 6 months of living in Downtown Loveland I can honestly say that the anxiety and uncertainty I once felt no longer exists. As I look out into the beautiful city every night from my balcony I truly realize that Loveland  is a hidden gem.

    Cassie Mattia is a resident of Loveland, Ohio’s Downtown Historic District

    Loveland Sweets – Fine Candies

    Loveland Sweets is a purveyor of hand-crafted chocolates, caramels, marshmallows, and ice creams. Our house-made candies are prepared in small batches in Historic Downtown Loveland, Ohio.