Serving Lucas, Ottawa, Sandusky and Wood Counties
In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary this summer, the city of Oregon will be hosting a Freedom Fest July 2 from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Oak Shade Grove.
“First and foremost, it’s the 250th, you only do that once,” Oregon mayor Steven Salander said. “We are an official America 250 city, as well. We’re very proud of that and being able to have it back at Oak Shade Grove again is another huge win.”
In the past, the previous administration held an annual event called Boom Fest, but moving forward, Salander said the Freedom Fest event will replace Boom Fest and fall around the Fourth of July holiday.
Salander said that upon being elected mayor last year, bringing the event to Oak Shade Grove and having more family-friendly events was one of his goals.
“We wanted to bring it back to being an Independence Day celebration as opposed to last year when it was in August,” Salander said. “We really wanted this to be focused on Independence Day as a whole, but then also making the most of this year with the 250th.”
The event is meant to bring together residents and visitors to enjoy an evening of patriotism in a family-friendly environment. There will be live music, a kids’ area with a bounce house, cornhole boards and fireworks at dusk. Food and beverages will be available for purchase from various food trucks and vendors.
“It’s going to be a great event,” Salander said. “There's going to be things for kids and families to do. There will be more local bands, so we're really working on promoting local music and local talent. The fireworks are going to be outstanding. I'm really excited about it. I think it's going to be a great time, and I look forward to us as a city being able to come together and celebrate as one.”
Attendees are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs to the event, though bringing outside coolers is prohibited.
For more information on this event and others hosted by the City of Oregon, visit OregonOhio.org/events/freedom-fest.
