ETC: Oak Harbor plans Independence Day Celebration July 3

        The Oak Harbor Area Chamber of Commerce will present the annual Oak Harbor Independence Day Celebration on Wednesday, July 3, at the Mill Street riverfront.
        The fun-filled evening will start at 5 p.m. and will culminate with a fireworks display at dusk. Admission is free.
        Activities and attractions will include food vendors, local entertainment, a car show, a Royal Duck Race, DJ and karaoke music, bounce houses and more.      
        “This celebration is a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate our nation’s independence," said Valerie Winterfield, executive director at the Oak Harbor Area Chamber of Commerce. "With a variety of activities and entertainment, there is something for everyone to enjoy.”
        For more information, visit OakHarborOhio.net or contact the Oak Harbor Area Chamber of Commerce at 419-898-0479 or chamber@oakharborohio.net.
 
Woodville 4th of July
        The 82nd Woodville 4th of July Celebration will be held Wednesday, July 3 through Saturday, July 6 at Trail Marker Park, located on South Cherry Street in the village.
        This year, the midway will open on Wednesday evening, including food trucks, rides and entertainment.
        Highlights include:
        Wednesday:
        • 5 p.m. – Midway and rides open.
        • 6 p.m. – Jamey Leigh Music, Heidi’s Twirlers.
        • 7-9 p.m. – 5K Race packet pickup.
        • 7:30 p.m. – Riverfront Trio performs.
        • 11 p.m. – Raffle.
        Thursday:
        • 12 p.m. – Midway and rides open; Illusion Lake performs.
        • 5-8 p.m. – Car show.
        • 6 p.m. – Dance Party with A & J Sound.
        • 7:30 p.m. – Wolf Creek Project performs.
        • 8 p.m. – Water fun with Woodville Fire Department.
        • 11 p.m. – Raffle.
        Friday:
        5 p.m. – Midway and rides open; race registration opens.
        • 6 p.m. – Kindred Soul performs.
        • 7:04 p.m. – Kids’ One Mile Fun Run.
        • 7:30 p.m. – 5K Race, Dem Bonz performs.
        • 11 p.m. – Raffle.
        Saturday:
        • 12 p.m. – Midway and rides open; Grand Parade.
        • 1:30 p.m. – Glittering Stars Dance Co. performs.
        • 2 p.m. – Parade Awards.
        • 2-5 p.m. – Woodville High School/Woodmore Reunion.
        • 5 p.m. – Kids’ Bicycle Drawing.
        • 6 p.m. – Dem Bonz performs.
        • 7:30 p.m. – Mood Lifters perform.
        • Dusk – Fireworks.
        • 11 p.m. – Raffle.
        For more information, visit Woodville4th.com and follow the celebration’s social media pages.
 
BG Boom Festival
        The third annual BG Boom Festival and Fireworks will take place Wednesday, July 3, at the Wood County Fairgrounds.
        The festival will run 4-9 p.m. and the fireworks will launch at dusk. Admission is free to the event, which will include inflatables, face-painting, food trucks, and live music.
 
Light Up The Point
        One of the largest fireworks displays in the Midwest is set to ignite the night at Cedar Point for two nights, July 4 and 5.
        Set to an electric summertime soundtrack, the Light Up The Point fireworks spectacular will overtake the skies above the famous Cedar Point Beach near the front of the park at approximately 10 p.m. (weather permitting).
        Guests can watch the massive fireworks display in style with the VIP Beach Experience, which includes an all-you-can-eat meal, bottled beverage and a seat in the private fireworks viewing area. Availability for the VIP Beach Experience is limited.
        For more information, visit cedarpoint.com.
 
‘Shrek The Musical Jr.’
       The Oregon Community Theatre Children’s Summer Theatre will present “Shrek The Musical Jr.” July 11-14 at the Fassett Middle School Auditorium. Curtain times are 7 p.m. July 11-13 and 2:30 p.m. July 14.
        Beth Giller, is directing the cast, which includes 121 students ranging from second through eighth grades. The theatre productions are made possible through a collaboration among the Oregon Recreation Center, Oregon City Schools and the City of Oregon.
        Tickets and more information are available at octshows.org.
 
Music Under the Stars
        Enjoy summer Sunday evenings in the Toledo Zoo’s historic Amphitheatre, listening to live music while surrounded by family, friends and animals as Music Under the Stars returns July 7-Aug. 11.
        The free concert series will highlight the many talented local bands throughout the region.
        Concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. The schedule includes:
        • July 7 – 122nd Army Band, Rewind to the `80s concert.
        • July 14 – Maumee Community Band.
        • July 21 – Velvet Jones. Also  enjoy a performance with DC Taylor-Acoustic Duo, in the Main Plaza, from 6-7:30 p.m., as part of our Christmas in July weekend.
        • July 28 – Polish American Concert Band.
        • Aug 4 – Perrysburg Symphony Orchestra, featuring a performance with Black Swamp Fine Arts School.
        • Aug 11 – Cakewalkin’ Jass Band.
        Food and beverage offerings will be available for purchase. Gates open at 6 p.m.; the Amphitheatre will open at 6:30 p.m.
        Admission is free, but Zoo parking rates apply for non-members. Members receive free parking on Music Under the Stars concert nights in the Anthony Wayne Trail and Broadway parking lots. Visit toledozoo.org/events/music-under-the-stars for more details.
 
Great Big Lemonade Stand
        Gibsonburg’s Great Big Lemonade Stand, which will be held July 13 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Williams Park on Stone Street, is open to young entrepreneurs selling or fundraising with lemonade, Kool Aid, baked goods, arts and crafts or produce.
        For more information, call Gibsonburg Town Hall at 419-637-2634 or email m.glotzbecker@gibsonburgohio.org.
       
History Museum summer bus tours
        The Toledo History Museum will continue its bus tours through the summer, recounting the history in Toledo  of gangster battles, gambling, rum-running and prostitution in the first part of the 20th century.
        As the bus winds its way through Toledo, guests will learn why Toledo became a haven for gangsters from other cities, how Toledo was key to bootlegging activities, and where prostitution was legal.
        Reservations are now being taken for the Glass City Garters, Gambling, Gangsters and Gin summer tours. Dates are Saturdays, July 13 and Aug. 10. The tour runs from 10 a.m. to noon and departs from downtown Toledo.
        The cost is $30 for museum members and $35 for non-members. Reservations may be made online at ToledoHistoryMuseum.org
        About Toledo History Museum: The Toledo History Museum, 425 North St. Clair, is a 501c3 non-profit organization. The mission is to preserve  and promote the history of Toledo through exhibitions, outreach and  education. The Museum is open Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Admission is free.