semiquincentennial
events

Ashtabula County July 4th, 2026

Parade @ Noon

Saturday, July 4, 2026 | 11:45
Jefferson Area High School, Jefferson, Ohio

We kick off the celebration with 13 rings of a bell to commemorate the original 13 colonies. Then it's parade time! Set up your chairs along the parade route to collect candy and make your pick for the float that best captures the spirit, creativity, and patriotism of America's 250th birthday celebration.

PARADE ROUTE: Embark from Jefferson Area High School; Proceed up Poplar Street; Right on East Jefferson Street through Jefferson to Giddings Park; Turn right on Market Street; Disperse at Satin Street.

4th of July Festival

Saturday, July 4, 2026 | 12 PM - 10 PM
Gidding's Park, Corner of Market St. &

Jefferson St., Jefferson, Ohio

Celebrate America's 250th Birthday in true Ashtabula County style! This all-day festival honors our storied past and 250 years of local history with activities for all ages.

The Celebration Starts at 11:45 a.m.

∙ PRELUDE: Gather 'round for the ringing of the bell 13 times to commemorate the original 13 colonies of the United States of America

∙ GRAND PARADE OF HISTORY: Immediately following, the parade begins at noon! Park yourself on the route to collect candy and admire all of the decorated floats

∙ VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE FLOAT: Look for the float entry numbers during the parade to vote for your favorite. Voting information will be available along the parade route and throughout the festival grounds. The winner will be announced during the festival and entered into our Ashtabula County America 250 Official Time Capsule Project.

After the Grand Parade, stay for the day's planned events:

∙ Opening Ceremonies: 1:25 p.m. featuring musical performances, the Declaration of Independence Theatre Troup & a performance of the Gettysburg Address

∙ Tribute Act Performances from Ella Fitzgerald and The Supremes

∙ Flash Mob SingAlong

∙ Competitive Activities like a Pie Eating Contest, Sack Races, and a Watermelon Eating Contest

∙ Speech Contest Winners

∙ Theater Performances and Plays

∙ Local Performers, Entertainers & Bands

∙ FIREWORKS AT 9:30 P.M.

View the entire schedule here