Cleveland, OH

Where to watch the fireworks: 26 July 4 celebrations across Northeast Ohio

Published

2 years ago

July 2, 2024

Where to watch the fireworks: 26 July 4 celebrations across Northeast Ohio

The Fourth of July is quickly approaching, and many Northeast Ohio counties, cities and organizations have different events planned to celebrate Independence Day.

This year, there are a wide variety of celebrations across Northeast Ohio. From wiffleball tournaments to cultural festivals to the classic barbecue and fireworks, Northeast Ohio has many unique festivities to offer this week.

See the list below for different celebrations planned across the region.

Ashland County:

Wifflefest XXV

Location: Southview Grace Brethren Church (810 Katherine Avenue, Ashland, OH)

Compete in a wiffleball tournament at the adult, high school, middle school or elementary level during July 4-6 (registration required).

Ashtabula County:

Red, White, & Boom Over Lake Erie

Location: Lakeview Park (340 Erie Street, Conneaut, OH).

Watch musical performances and participate in festive activities during July 4-6. A fireworks show over Lake Erie will begin at 10 p.m. on July 6th.

Carroll County:

Carroll County Fireworks Show

Location: Carroll County Fairgrounds (160 Kensington Road NE, Carrollton, OH).

Enjoy a variety of food trucks, vendors and kids activities on July 5 beginning at 4 p.m. A fireworks show will begin at 10 p.m.

Columbiana County:

East Palestine Firefighters Association Annual 4th of July Celebration

Location: East Palestine City Park (31 Park Avenue, East Palestine, OH).

Activities will begin at 8 a.m. on July 4, and there will be a fireworks display in the evening.

Coshocton County:

Coshocton Fireworks

Location: Coshocton County Fairgrounds (707 Kenilworth Avenue, Coshocton, OH).

Enjoy a fireworks display beginning at dusk on July 3.

Cuyahoga County:

Grindstone Festival

Location: Coe Lake Park (Coe Lake, Berea, OH)

Spend July 4 participating in lake activities, enjoying live entertainment and watching a fireworks display later into the evening. This event runs from 4-10 p.m.

Independence Day Parade and Fireworks

Location: Clague Park (Clague Park, Westlake, OH)

Spend July 4 in Westlake with activities, including a car show, face-painting, and food vendors and a fireworks show at dusk.

Light Up the Lake: 4th of July Fireworks

Location: Multiple viewing locations throughout Cleveland.

Watch a 20-minute fireworks display launched from the Port of Cleveland at dusk on July 4.

Solon Community Band Concert and Fireworks

Location: Solon Community Park (6679 SOM Center Rd., Solon, OH).

Enjoy an evening of live music on July 3 beginning at 7:30 followed by a fireworks display.

Erie County:

Light Up the Point

Location: Cedar Point (1 Cedar Point Drive, Sandusky, OH).

In addition to Cedar Point’s coasters and other activities, there will be a fireworks display at night on July 4 and July 5.

Geauga County:

Community Fourth of July Celebration

Location: Kenston High School (95000 Bainbridge Road, Chagrin Falls, OH).

This event will take place on July 5 from 6-10:30 p.m., and there will be a fireworks display at dusk.

Fourth of July Fireworks

Location: Geauga County Fairgrounds (14373 N. Cheshire St., Burton, OH)

Gates open for cars, motorcycles and walk ins at 6 p.m., and fireworks begin at dusk.

Holmes County:

Loudonville Fireworks

Location: Riverside Park (131 W. Main St., Loudonville, OH).

Enjoy a fireworks display beginning at dusk on July 4.

Huron County:

4th of July Fireworks

Location: Huron County Fairgrounds (940 Fair Rd., Norwalk, OH)

Enjoy a fireworks display beginning at dusk on July 4 at the county fairgrounds. A Fourth of July parade will run through the city of Norwalk at 10:30 a.m. that day.

Lake County:

Independence Day Celebration

Location: Mentor Civic Amphitheater (8600 Munson Rd., Mentor, OH).

Watch a free concert at the Mentor Civic Amphitheater at 7:45 p.m. on July 4, followed by a 25-minute fireworks display. There will also be food trucks and beverage sales in the surrounding area that evening.

Lorain County:

Avon Lake’s Fireworks Celebration

Location: Weiss Field (33401 Webber Rd., Avon Lake, OH)

Enjoy a variety of food trucks starting at 5 p.m. on July 3 followed by fireworks at 10.

Mahoning County:

Fireworks and Food Trucks

Location: Wean Park (201 S. Phelps St., Youngstown, OH).

The city of Youngstown will host a variety of food trucks on July 4 from 6-10 p.m., and a fireworks display will be held immediately after.

Medina County:

Independence Day Parade, Music and Fireworks

Location: Mill Stream Park (1200 Maple St., Valley City, OH).

From 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on July 4, this event consists of a parade, a car show, food trucks and fireworks at dusk.

Portage County:

Hiram 4th of July Celebration

Location: Hiram College (11715 Garfield Rd., Hiram, OH).

Beginning in the evening of July 3 with food vendors, this celebration consists of a softball game, a potluck, a pie contest and much more through July 4. A fireworks display will begin at 9:30 p.m. on July 3.

Richland County:

Charles Mill Red, White, and Blue Celebration

Location: Charles Mill Lake Park (1277A State Route 430, Mansfield, OH).

Various events, consisting of arts and crafts, parades and games during July 4-6. A fireworks show over Charles Mill Lake will begin at dusk on the 6th.

Stark County:

North Canton Chamber of Commerce July 4 Fireworks Show

Location: North Canton Hoover High School (525 7 St. NW, North Canton, OH).

This event will take place on July 4 and will consist of food trucks opening at 6 p.m. and a fireworks show at 10 p.m.

Stark County Italian American Festival

Location: Cultural Center for the Arts (1001 Market Ave. N., Canton OH).

Enjoy a weekend of bocce, food and live entertainment from July 5 through July 7.

Summit County:

Rib White & Blue Festival

Location: Lock 3 (200 S. Main St., Akron, OH).

Enjoy plenty of barbecue food, as well as nightly concerts at 7 p.m., starting July 3 through July 6. A fireworks display will take place at 9:45 p.m. on July 6.

Trumbull County:

4th of July Homecoming and Parade

Location: Gustavus Township Park (8867 Youngstown Kingsville Rd., Farmdale, OH).

This festival includes food vendors, a parade, kids activities and more on July 4 beginning at 10 a.m.

Tuscarawas County:

City of New Philadelphia Gigantic Fireworks Display

Location: Tuscora Park Practice Field (161 Tuscora Ave. NW, New Philadelphia, OH)

Enjoy a firework display beginning at 10 p.m. on July 6.

Wayne County:

Wooster 4th of July Fireworks

Location: Burbank/Oldman Road Soccer Field (100 Oldman Rd., Wooster, OH).

This July 4th celebration begins at 5 p.m. on Thursday with food and family entertainment and concludes with a fireworks show at 10 p.m.

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Cleveland, OH

Time for the Guardians to Do What They Said They’d Do

Published

8 hours ago

March 2, 2026

Press Room

Time for the Guardians to Do What They Said They’d Do

With twenty games left in Spring Training, it’s looking like the Guardians are going to be pushed to put their money where their mouths have been when it comes to not blocking young players.

All offseason, President of Baseball Operations, Chris Antonetti, and General Manager, Mike Chernoff, have been clear about the plan to fix the Guardians’ hitting woes of 2025 without spending a dime in major league free agency in the attempt to do so:

“As we looked at a lot of the external the possibility of external additions, one of the questions we continually have to ask ourselves is, ‘whose opportunity does this impede’”? – Chris Antonetti, 1/23/2026.

“We need to get better offensively. …we believe that growth and development can come from the guys we have in the organization.“ – Antonetti, 1/30/2026

“One of our key goals was not to impede players with the most upside (from playing in Cleveland). We saw a glimpse of what Chase DeLauter could do in the playoffs. George Valera and C.J. Kayfus also showed up pretty well at the end of the season.” – Chernoff, 1/30/2026

Right now, projected to be on the Opening Day Guardians’ roster, there are two players who have over 1,000 plate appearances who are blocking younger players with less experience, eager to prove themselves as more valuable major leaguers: Nolan Jones and Gabriel Arias.

I am not writing this post to criticize the Cleveland front office for believing in Jones and Arias and for giving them their fair shot. Two years ago, I believed Arias had shown enough to get his fair chance, and last spring, I agreed with the idea of bringing Jones on board in a weak outfield group to see if he could regain his 2023 form at the plate. However, over the past two seasons Jones has now put up a 71 wRC+ in 700 plate appearances and Arias has put up a 75 wRC+ in 634 plate appearances. Jones will turn 28 years old this season and Arias just turned 26 years old; neither is likely to experience a breakout at this point in their major league careers.

In Arias’s case, replacing him involves putting Brayan Rocchio at shortstop. Rocchio is 10 and half months younger than Arias, has 100+ fewer plate appearances. He also finished 2024 with a league average 100 wRC+, while Arias finished with a 65 wRC+. There is still some slim hope remaining that Rocchio can be a league average bat – hope that no longer exists for Arias. So, the team needs to give Rocchio the reigns at shortstop and let him sink or swim, while also letting star prospect Angel Genao develop at short in Akron and, soon, Columbus. Most importantly, however, moving on from Arias with a designating for assignment, will allow the team to let Juan Brito try his hand as a full-time second baseman while the team allows Travis Bazzana to heat up at Columbus. Both Brito and Bazzana offer FAR more potential as hitters than either Arias or Rocchio and need to be featured in the Guardians’ lineup in 2026 as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, Daniel Schneemann offers a perfect utility bat, capable of playing any position except catcher, and not someone who needs to be given regular plate appearances (ahem, PLEASE catch that last part, Manager Stephen Vogt). Additionally, should an injury take place with Rocchio, Milan Tolentino is having an excellent Spring Training, has an exceptional glove at shortstop, and should be capable of providing something similar to Arias’s career 76 wRC+ at the plate if called upon in a pinch. Arias is not needed on this team; while right-handed, he has a career 50 wRC+ against left-handed pitching. He also looked horrendous when asked to play outfield in the past, so he isn’t as good of an option as Schneemann in the super utility role.

As for Jones, bringing him back as an option in centerfield made sense this offseason, but spring training is making clear that keeping him as that depth is not a priority. Both Kahlil Watson and Petey Halpin have looked very good at the plate and in the field in center. It’s one week of Spring Training, so, please, don’t think I am saying either will be good major league players. However, neither has to be good to surpass average (at best!) defense in center and a 71 wRC+ at the plate provided by Jones these past two seasons. With Steven Kwan gamely taking on the challenge of center field, DFA’ing Jones allows the team to get good, solid looks at George Valera and Chase DeLauter, as well as allowing CJ Kayfus to work on his corner outfield skills in Columbus should either of the above players get hurt. If Jones were capable of hitting left-handed pitching, he’d be a roster shoo-in, but give me Stuart Fairchild and his potential for above-average centerfield play and career 106 wRC+ vs. LHP over Jones’s fielding and career 76 wRC+ against southpaws in the fourth outfielder role. Alternatively, Angel Martinez is a fine choice in this role as well, as he has a 121 wRC+ against LHP in his brief time in the bigs – whichever the Guardians prefer is cool with me.

Finally, with the Guardians’ committed to Jones for $2 million for 2026, designating him for assignment makes it likely no team will claim him. Since Jones is short of five years of major league service time, Cleveland can option him to Columbus when he likely clears waivers and mix him into all three outfield positions there, hanging on to him for needed outfield depth. In effect, they will gain an option on a player who has potential to be a league average bat against RHP and a playable fielder in center. That’s worth retaining… but not at the expense of a roster and lineup spot needed to give exciting, young players like Valera and DeLauter a real chance at establishing themselves.

If the Guardians start the season – as I expect they will – with Jones and Arias on the roster, I will be disappointed. I know, I know… it’ll probably just be for the month of April, but April games count just as much as September games. The reps that players like Brito, Bazzana, Valera and DeLauter could get in April can help them work out early struggles to be prepared for summer success. Nothing against Jones and Arias, personally, as both seem like good dudes, but we need to be clear-eyed about what is best for this team. Giving further opportunities to two players who are extremely unlikely to be above-average major league contributors would be a mistake, given the strategy that Cleveland has espoused publicly all offseason.

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Cleveland, OH

Iran strikes spark debate among Northeast Ohio residents

Published

20 hours ago

March 2, 2026

Press Room

Iran strikes spark debate among Northeast Ohio residents

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – The Cleveland Liberation Center and nearly 100 other organizations rallied in Cleveland Sunday to protest the U.S. strikes on Iran, demonstrating significant grassroots opposition to the military action.

The recent U.S. military strikes on Iran and the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, have ignited passionate discussions across the nation, and Northeast Ohio is no exception.

While state political leaders express support for President Donald Trump’s actions, local activists are raising urgent questions about the impact on American communities.

Dallas Eckman, a public school teacher and volunteer coordinator with the Cleveland Liberation Center, is taking a clear stance against the recent attacks.

“We need to step up as Americans and say violence is not going to be the way we solve out world’s problems,” Eckman said.

The frustration runs deeper for Eckman, who sees a disconnect between military spending and domestic priorities.

“It’s absurd that for me as a public-school teacher I am struggling to get funding for chrome books and books. I can wake up one morning and see we have spent millions and millions of dollars to bomb another country,” he explained.

Eckman questions whether these military actions actually benefit working people in Cleveland.

“Which does nothing for the working people here in Cleveland. It does nothing to make my schools safer. It does nothing to improve the road right outside the liberation center,” Eckman said.

Eckman’s concerns are shared by many in the region.

Despite local opposition, several Ohio’s political leaders are backing the Trump administration’s decision.

Senator Bernie Moreno released a statement expressing his support, stating, “President Trump sought for months to avoid conflict and negotiate with Iran to prevent them from rebuilding their nuclear program. I fully support his decision.”

Secretary of State John Husted also voiced his approval.

“For 47 years, the Iranian regime had ample opportunity to be a productive member of the global community — instead, it chose to export death, terrorism, extremism, and instability against America and our allies,” Husted said.

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Cleveland, OH

Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Brooklyn Nets prediction, pick for Sunday 3/1/26

Published

1 day ago

March 1, 2026

Press Room

Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Brooklyn Nets prediction, pick for Sunday 3/1/26

Cooper Albers takes you through his preview, prediction and pick for Sunday’s NBA matchup between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Brooklyn Nets.

Eastern Conference rivals close their regular-season series on Sunday, as the Brooklyn Nets host the Cleveland Cavaliers at Barclays Center.

The Cavaliers (37–24, 4th East) have dropped back-to-back games without Donovan Mitchell and James Harden, albeit against far superior competition. They’ll aim for the three-game sweep of Brooklyn without Mitchell, while Harden remains questionable.

The Nets (15–44, 14th East) are mired in a brutal seven-game losing streak, including a 112–84 thumping in Cleveland on February 19.

Here’s a look at the Injury Report:

Cleveland Cavaliers

Out: Donovan Mitchell (Groin), Max Strus (Foot), Dean Wade (Ankle)
Questionable: James Harden (Thumb), Keon Ellis (Finger)

Brooklyn Nets

Out: Egor Demin (Heel), Drake Powell (G-League Assignment)
Questionable: Nic Claxton (Thumb)

Tipoff is set for 3:30 p.m. ET. Cleveland enters as a hefty 11.5-point road favorite on DraftKings Sportsbook, while Brooklyn sits as a +410 underdog. The game’s total is set at 222.5 points.

Cavaliers vs. Nets Preview

Cleveland Cavaliers Preview

The Cavaliers went all in at the NBA trade deadline, sending Darius Garland to Los Angeles for superstar guard James Harden. The gamble seemingly paid off, as the former MVP has fit seamlessly into the lineup alongside Donovan Mitchell. Cleveland went 6–1 after Harden’s debut, its lone loss coming against the defending champs in Oklahoma City.

But the momentum quickly stalled when both Harden and Mitchell hit the sidelines to nurse injuries. Cleveland has dropped back-to-back games in the star duo’s absence against Milwaukee and Detroit. And while Harden is listed as questionable for Sunday’s contest with a thumb fracture in his non-shooting hand, Mitchell remains out with a groin strain.

The Cavs are just 2–4 without Mitchell this season. If Harden stays out, they’ll likely keep relying on their accomplished frontcourt of Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. Cleveland also features a solid veteran backup point guard in Dennis Schroder, along with a reliable sharpshooter in Sam Merrill.

Brooklyn Nets Preview

Brooklyn has won five games in 2026. Five.

Were any of these wins particularly impressive? Hardly. They beat a Nikola Jokic-less Denver Nuggets, the spiraling Chicago Bulls twice, the lowly Washington Wizards, and the tanking Utah Jazz.

The Nets rank dead last on both ends of the floor since January 1, disappointing even by their standards. They’ve lost seven games in a row, punctuated by a 37-point walloping in Boston on Friday night.

Michael Porter Jr. will continue trying to carry an increasingly strained offense without rookie standout Egor Demin. Brooklyn will also lean on its burgeoning frontcourt, comprising Noah Clowney and Nic Claxton (questionable).

Cavaliers vs. Nets Pick, Best Bet

Keep an eye on the injury report for this one. If Harden remains sidelined, Cleveland may lack the offensive firepower to pull away. But if the former MVP suits up, expect him and the Cavs to carve up Brooklyn’s porous defense and comfortably cover the 11.5-point spread.