Beacon Journal staff report
Looking for fireworks, parades or other Fourth of July holiday events?
Here are some celebrations happening in the region:
TODAY-SATURDAY
Akron — The Rib, White & Blue festival, South Main Street between Bowery and State streets, and Lock 3 Park, next to Civic Theatre. Concerts, children’s rides, inflatables and food concessions, including barbecue vendors. Free admission. Hours are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. each day. Friday concerts: Jim Gill Band at 6 p.m. and Elevation, a tribute to U2, at 8:30 p.m. Saturday concerts: Joe Vitale Jr. Band at 6 p.m., and the Machine, Pink Floyd tribute, at 8:30 p.m.
Orrville — Carnival midway with rides, games and food at Orr Park. ASA Girls 14-and-under Fast Pitch Softball Tournament through Saturday. Fireworks about 10:15 p.m. Saturday.
TODAY-SUNDAY
Spencer — Fourth of July Festival in J.B. Firestone Park. Rides open 2:30 to 11 p.m. Tommy Hall and the Sunlighters Band at 3 p.m. Park and rides open from noon to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Tim Whalen and Sundown Band perform at 5:30 p.m. Saturday. Park open from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.
Springfield Township — Rock the Docks. Rides and entertainment daily. Fireworks at 9:45 p.m. Saturday. Boat racing from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.
TODAY
Hudson — Fireworks at Barlow Farm Park, 9:30 p.m. Parking is available at the JoAnn Stores lot. Rain date is Saturday.
Perry Township — Canal Fulton-Clinton Community Band will perform, 7:30 p.m., at Sippo Lake Park, 5710 12th St. NW. Also celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Gettysburg Address. Bring a blanket or chair. In case of rain, concert will be indoors in the Exploration Gateway.
SATURDAY
Kent — The 18th annual Heritage Festival, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. in downtown Kent. Crafters and food vendors will line Main, North and South Water and Erie streets. Entertainment on three stages all day and activities for all ages. A car show will take place on West Erie Street. The Tree City 5K run starts at 7 p.m. at Dix Stadium. Fireworks downtown at 10 p.m.
Portage Lakes — Boat parade at 1 p.m., starting at Kieffer Marine on East Reservoir and ending at Portage Lakes State Park beach, where the sand castle-building contest will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Fireworks at 10 p.m. from Mason’s Point on Turkeyfoot Lake. Rain date is Sunday.