To celebrate Independence Day, the City of Bowling Green, Bowling Green Chamber of Commerce, Visit BG Oho, Northwestern Ohio Tractor Pullers Association and the Wood County Agricultural Society announce the return of the BG BOOM Festival and Fireworks, scheduled for July 3.
The fireworks display, which begins at dusk, will be launched in a secure area within the NWOTPA property, which provides for viewing from all around the fairgrounds area, as well as within the surrounding neighborhoods.
The chamber is seeking community support to help fund the event through sponsorships, donations, and fundraisers. Sponsorship registration and donation forms are available on the chamber website at www.bgchamber.net/bg-boom/ or by calling the chamber office at 419-353-7945. Fundraisers, including the Bates Recycling Aluminum Can Drive, are currently underway, with more information at www.bgchamber.net/bg-boom-can-drive/.
The BG BOOM festival, which runs from 4-9 p.m., will include inflatables, interactive games, and a display of historic military vehicles. It will be free to attend for everyone in the community.
The Bowling Green Area Community Band, directed by Thom Headley, will return to this year’s event, offering a selection of patriotic tunes starting at 7 p.m. Once again, Crazy Craig will provide roaming entertainment for an hour, then present his juggling show in advance of the performance by the Community Band.
The Wood County Agricultural Society has planned for 12 food trucks to be on-site and open from 4-11 p.m., or until their food supplies run out. The food truck lineup includes: Big Daddy Sausage and More, Manny’s Munchies, Simply Delish, The Rolling Lemon, The Tamale Guy, Uncle Louie’s Food Truck, Franks Fries, Poppin George’s Kettle Corn, Off the Rails, Liberty Township, and North Coast Deli / Mr. Melon. State Bank’s GIVES Truck will be located next to the Pratt Pavilion for a refreshing treat in return for a donation.
Local chamber member organizations will be hosting activities for the children in attendance, including a “Dinosaur Dig” in the sand hosted by iStroll Bowling Green; pinwheel, rain stick, and bracelet-making hosted by the Children’s Resource Center; and glow bracelet giveaways from K. Hovnanian Homes.
Due to the support of the City of Bowling Green, this year’s fireworks display by Rozzi Fireworks will once again be an almost 30-minute show.
It is highly recommended for those planning to watch the fireworks to park in the East and North parking lots of the Fairgrounds off Brim Road. Enter these lots through Gate E, which is off Brim Road and across from Christopher Drive. This parking area will provide an unobstructed view for the fireworks.
Additional parking will be available in the lot across from the fairgrounds on Poe Road. This parking area is very convenient for those going to the festival but does have trees that obstruct the view of the fireworks.
Family-friendly camping will be available Tuesday through Sunday, featuring campsites under the fireworks. Anyone interested in camping can reserve a spot by calling the fair office at 419-352-0441 or by going online to woodcounty-fair.com and registering under the specialty camping tab.
No unauthorized persons will be allowed in any area that is marked with caution tape around the cement barricades. In case of emergency, through the support of the Wood County Hospital, a first aid tent will be situated near the main entrance of the fairgrounds.
All outside pyrotechnics (fireworks) including novelty items, such as sparklers, poppers, and smoke bombs are banned on fairground property, including all parking areas. Golf carts also are not permitted on the grounds for this event, except for those being utilized by the organizers.
A rain date for the fireworks is scheduled for July 5. Festival activities will not be rescheduled to the rain date.
The event is made possible by the support of patriotic sponsors Bates Recycling, Belleville Brothers Meats, Ohio Logistics, State Bank, VFW Post 1148, and Walmart.
