🎇 Red, White & Boom! Your Miami Valley Fourth of July Guide

Trivia Question❓

Who was the first official mayor of Dayton after the city adopted a new charter in 1829?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

Dayton Events

Dayton Area Events

July 3–10, 2026

Friday, July 3

4:00–10:00 PM

Fairborn Community Independence Days

Community Park, Fairborn

Free

Two-day Independence celebration with food trucks, local vendors, kids activities, live music, patriotic ceremonies, and fireworks.

5:00–10:00 PM

July 3 First Friday

Downtown Dayton

Free

Downtown-wide evening of live music, shopping, art, dining, patios, entertainment, and DORA district specials.

5:00–9:00 PM

2026 Star Spangled Heights – Carnival Night

Thomas Cloud Park, Huber Heights

Free admission; rides require wristband

Family carnival night with rides, food, games, and Independence Day weekend fun.

5:00–10:00 PM

2026 Kevin Sonnycalb Memorial Fireworks Festival

Shawnee Park, Xenia

Free

Xenia’s fireworks festival includes live music, food vendors, family fun, and a large fireworks display.

6:00–10:00 PM

LightUp Lebanon

Colonial Park West, Lebanon

Free

Family-friendly celebration with petting zoo, balloon animals, bounce houses, games, live music, and fireworks at 10 PM.

6:00 PM

The 2026 Americana Festival

Centerville High School Stadium / Uptown Centerville

Free admission

Opening night of Centerville’s Americana Festival with food vendors and fireworks at 10 PM.

6:00 PM

Star Spangled Boom

Wax Park, Moraine

Free

Moraine’s two-day celebration begins with food trucks, carnival attractions, family fun, and live music.

7:00 PM

Hotel California LIVE in Moraine

Payne Recreation Center / Star Spangled Boom, Moraine

Free

Hotel California performs Eagles classics as part of Moraine’s Star Spangled Boom celebration.

8:30–11:00 PM

6th Annual Family Fireworks Paddle

RiverScape MetroPark, Dayton

$60 per person; advance reservation required

Watch Dayton’s Lights in Flight fireworks from the Great Miami River during a guided evening kayak or canoe paddle.

Saturday, July 4

All Day

The 2026 Americana Festival

Uptown Centerville

Free admission

Centerville’s full Americana celebration includes a 5K, parade, arts and crafts street fair, live entertainment, auto show, food vendors, and family activities.

9:00 AM–12:00 PM

Oakwood Farmers' Market

22 Orchard Dr., Oakwood

Free admission

Weekly farmers market with produce, baked goods, specialty foods, flowers, artisan items, and local vendors.

9:00 AM

Farmersville 250: Stars, Stripes, and Small Town Pride Festival

Farmersville

Free

America 250 celebration with 60+ vendors, food trucks, live music, kids zone, community booths, and fireworks.

4:00–10:00 PM

Fairborn Community Independence Days

Community Park, Fairborn

Free

Second day of Fairborn’s celebration with live entertainment, food vendors, family activities, and fireworks.

5:30–7:30 PM

The Fries Band Pre-Fireworks Show

Community Park, Franklin

Free

The Fries Band performs before Franklin’s Independence Day fireworks, with food trucks, games, rides, and more live music.

6:00 PM

Founders, Families and Freedom

J.W. Denver Williams Jr. Memorial Park, Wilmington

Free

Clinton County’s America 250 celebration with fireworks, food trucks, vendors, patriotic activities, and live music by Jamie O’Neal.

7:00 PM

Reel2Real Rocks Springboro's America 250 Celebration

Springboro High School

Free

Rock, pop, and R&B concert before Springboro’s America 250 fireworks celebration.

Sunday, July 5

9:00 AM

Farmersville 250: Stars, Stripes, and Small Town Pride Festival

Farmersville

Free

Second day of Farmersville’s small-town America 250 festival with vendors, food, music, and family fun.

12:00–3:00 PM

Artisans Farmers Market

Harrington House, Beavercreek

Free admission

Monthly market with farmers, bakers, specialty meats, food trucks, artisan vendors, and handmade goods.

6:00–9:30 PM

Celebrate Freedom

Kercher Park, Germantown

Free

Community celebration with live music, food trucks, inflatables, yard games, kids activities, and fireworks at dusk.

7:00–9:00 PM

2026 Centerville Summer Concert Series: The Menus

Stubbs Park, Centerville

Free

The Menus perform at Stubbs Park with food trucks, beer sales, and one of the area’s biggest free Sunday concerts.

Monday, July 6

10:00 AM–4:00 PM

AirPower History Tour

National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, Dayton

Free viewing

Historic WWII aircraft including B-29 “FIFI,” B-24 Liberator, AT-6 Texan, and PT-13 Stearman visit the museum flightline.

Tuesday, July 7

10:00 AM–4:00 PM

AirPower History Tour

National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, Dayton

Free viewing

Second day of rare WWII aircraft viewing on the museum flightline, weather and maintenance permitting.

4:30–7:30 PM

Mid-week Fly Fishing – Miami View Park

Miami View Park, West Carrollton

Free

Join Miami Valley Fly Fishers for an evening of fly fishing for sunfish, bass, and catfish.

7:00 PM

Vandalia Island Cultural Night

Art Park, Vandalia

Free

Polynesian and Chamorro cultural performances, food vendors, tropical entertainment, and family-friendly activities.

7:00–8:30 PM

Speaker Series: Growing Mushrooms

Glen Helen Nature Preserve, Yellow Springs

$5; free for members; parking $10

Learn how to cultivate edible Wine Cap mushrooms with Marc Amante from Ohio State University Extension.

7:00–9:00 PM

Free Concert at North Park: Big Little Lions

North Park Amphitheatre, Springboro

Free

Award-winning folk-pop duo Big Little Lions performs harmony-driven acoustic music. Food trucks will be on site.

Wednesday, July 8

10:00 AM–4:00 PM

AirPower History Tour

National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, Dayton

Free viewing

Final day to view visiting WWII aircraft on the museum flightline before scheduled departure.

Thursday, July 9

5:00–8:00 PM

July Englewood Market

520 W. National Rd., Englewood

Free admission

Family-friendly market with local vendors, handmade goods, food trucks, live music, and community shopping.

7:00–9:30 PM

Music Trivia in the Park

Riverfront Park, Miamisburg

Free

Outdoor music trivia hosted by Scott Hall of Hall Around Town Radio. Theme: Y2K Pop.

8:00 PM

Micky Dolenz with Special Guest The Buckinghams

Fraze Pavilion, Kettering

Ticketed

Micky Dolenz performs at Fraze Pavilion with special guest The Buckinghams.

Friday, July 10

5:00–9:00 PM

The Great Dayton Food Truck Rally

Front Street Studios, Dayton

Free admission

Large food truck rally with 30+ trucks, local vendors, music, and the Front Street Studios campus.

5:30–9:00 PM

2026 Centerville Party in the Park: Stranger and The Fries Band

Stubbs Park, Centerville

Free

Party in the Park features 30+ local vendors, kids activities, food trucks, beer sales, and music by Stranger and The Fries Band.

6:30–9:30 PM

Day Air Credit Union Movie Night at Day Air Ballpark

Day Air Ballpark, Dayton

Free admission

Family movie night with carnival games, inflatables, balloon art, mascot appearances, concessions, and Disney’s Hoppers at 7:30 PM.

7:00–10:00 PM

Star City Concert Series: Uncaged with Opening Act Mike Solomon

Riverfront Park, Miamisburg

Free

Mike Solomon opens with Americana rock, followed by Uncaged, a Zac Brown Band tribute.

7:30 PM

Free Concert at North Park: Parrots of the Caribbean

North Park Amphitheatre, Springboro

Free

Parrots of the Caribbean performs Jimmy Buffett-inspired tropical rock. Food trucks and beer sales available.

Please check each events web page for the latest information as events are subject to change.

Featured Event

Festival Spotlight

Celebrate Independence at the Centerville Americana Festival

For more than 50 years, the Centerville-Washington Township Americana Festival has been one of southwest Ohio's favorite Independence Day traditions. Held each July in the heart of Uptown Centerville, this beloved celebration attracts more than 85,000 visitors and is recognized as Ohio's largest single-day festival.

The festivities actually begin on the evening of July 3 with a spectacular fireworks display at Centerville High School Stadium. On July 4, Uptown Centerville comes alive with patriotic spirit as streets fill with music, food, crafts, classic cars, and one of the region's largest Independence Day parades.

🎆 A Full Day of Patriotic Fun

The Americana Festival offers something for every member of the family. Visitors can watch the colorful parade featuring marching bands, floats, veterans' groups, and community organizations before spending the afternoon exploring the lively street fair filled with local artists, handmade crafts, delicious food, and live entertainment.

🎶 What You'll Find

• One of Ohio's largest Independence Day parades
• More than 300 arts, crafts, and food vendors
• Live music on multiple stages
• Children's activities and games
• Classic auto show
• Community 5K run
• Spectacular fireworks on July 3

🚗 Classic Cars & Community Spirit

One of the festival's most popular attractions is the classic car show, where beautifully restored automobiles line the streets alongside vendor booths and entertainment. Throughout the day, local musicians perform on multiple stages, creating a festive atmosphere that celebrates both community and country.

👨‍👩‍👧 Perfect For

• Families
• Fourth of July celebrations
• Classic car enthusiasts
• Live music fans
• Shopping local artisans
• Anyone looking for a fun community tradition

💡 Pro Tip

Arrive early if you plan to watch the parade or browse the street fair. Parking fills quickly, and the morning hours are the best time to explore the vendor booths before the largest crowds arrive.

Why it's worth attending: The Americana Festival is much more than a Fourth of July celebration—it's a tradition that brings neighbors together to celebrate community, patriotism, and summertime in the Miami Valley. With fireworks, a parade, live entertainment, and hundreds of vendors, it's easy to see why this event has remained a local favorite for generations.

🎆 2026 Miami Valley Fourth of July Fireworks Guide

Looking for the best place to watch fireworks this Fourth of July? Communities across the Miami Valley are celebrating with parades, festivals, food trucks, live music, and fireworks. Here are some of the biggest celebrations around Dayton and the surrounding area.

🎇 Dayton Area Fireworks

🎆 Dayton – Lights in Flight
Date: Friday, July 3
Time: Street Fair 11:00 AM–4:00 PM • Parade 12:00 PM • Fireworks 10:00 PM
Location: RiverScape MetroPark & Kettering Field

🇺🇸 Centerville Americana Festival
Date: Friday, July 3 & Saturday, July 4
Time: Fireworks July 3 at 10:00 PM • Festival July 4 from 9:30 AM–5:00 PM
Location: Centerville High School Stadium & Uptown Centerville

⭐ Kettering GO 4TH!
Date: Saturday, July 4
Time: 6:00 PM–10:00 PM • Fireworks 10:00 PM
Location: Delco Park

🎉 Beavercreek Fourth of July Celebration
Date: Saturday, July 4
Time: Parade 6:00 PM • Festival 6:00–10:30 PM • Fireworks 10:00 PM
Location: Rotary Park

🎇 Fairborn Independence Day Festival
Date: Friday–Saturday, July 3–4
Time: Activities throughout the day • Fireworks July 4 at 10:00 PM
Location: Community Park

🌟 Worth the Short Drive

🎇 Vandalia Star-Spangled Celebration
Date: Friday, July 3
Time: 6:00 PM–11:00 PM • Fireworks 10:00 PM
Location: Vandalia Sports Complex

🎆 Huber Heights Star-Spangled Heights
Date: Saturday, July 4
Time: Festival 12:00 PM–10:00 PM • Fireworks around 10:00 PM
Location: Thomas A. Cloud Park

🎆 Springboro Boro Boom!
Date: Saturday, July 4
Time: Festivities begin 6:00 PM • Fireworks 10:00 PM
Location: Springboro High School

🎇 Troy Fourth of July Celebration
Date: Saturday, July 4
Time: Parade 9:00 AM • Concert 7:30 PM • Fireworks 10:00 PM
Location: Treasure Island Park & Great Miami River

🎉 Moraine Star Spangled Boom
Date: Saturday, July 4
Time: 6:00 PM–11:00 PM • Fireworks 10:00 PM
Location: Wax Park

💡 Pro Tip

Arrive early for the best parking and viewing spots. Bring lawn chairs, blankets, bug spray, bottled water, and a flashlight for the walk back after the show.

Why it’s worth checking out: From big city displays to small-town celebrations, the Miami Valley offers plenty of ways to enjoy Independence Day. Pick your favorite spot, wear your red, white, and blue, and enjoy one of summer’s best traditions.

This newsletter sponsored by The Renaissance Men

Veteran-owned Construction Co. focused on rebuilding homes, restoring hope, and reviving community!

The Renaissance Men

813-500-9788

Featured Park

Yellow Springs Ohio: Glen Helen Nature Preserve Walk and New Beaver Dam

Featured Nature Preserve

🌿 Glen Helen Nature Preserve

Just a short drive from Dayton, Glen Helen Nature Preserve in Yellow Springs is one of Ohio's most breathtaking outdoor destinations. Covering more than 1,000 acres of forests, limestone gorges, prairies, and streams, the preserve offers visitors an unforgettable opportunity to experience nature at its finest. With more than 25 miles of hiking trails, it's easy to spend an entire day exploring its scenic beauty.

The preserve has long been recognized as one of southwest Ohio's premier natural areas. Its diverse habitats support hundreds of plant and animal species, making it a favorite destination for hikers, photographers, birdwatchers, and families alike.

💛 Discover the Famous Yellow Spring

One of the preserve's most famous landmarks is the natural spring that gave the village of Yellow Springs its name. Rich in iron, the spring leaves colorful yellow-orange mineral deposits on the surrounding rocks and has drawn visitors for well over a century.

💦 Waterfalls & Scenic Trails

The preserve features several memorable natural attractions, including the Cascades, a picturesque waterfall along Birch Creek, and Grotto Falls, tucked beneath a rocky overhang. Well-maintained trails lead hikers through towering trees, across wooden bridges, and alongside peaceful streams, making every visit a new adventure.

🦅 Visit the Raptor Center

A highlight for many visitors is the Glen Helen Raptor Center, where injured birds of prey are rehabilitated and cared for. Educational exhibits allow guests to see hawks, owls, falcons, and even eagles while learning about wildlife conservation and Ohio's native birds.

👨‍👩‍👧 Perfect For

• Hiking
• Waterfall photography
• Birdwatching
• Wildlife enthusiasts
• Family nature walks
• Peaceful weekend getaways

💡 Pro Tip

Wear sturdy walking shoes and bring plenty of water. If time allows, pair your visit with nearby Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve or John Bryan State Park to enjoy one of Ohio's most spectacular outdoor corridors. Trails are open from sunrise to sunset.

Why it's worth visiting: Glen Helen Nature Preserve is a place where natural beauty, history, and environmental education come together. From its famous spring and scenic waterfalls to its miles of wooded trails and inspiring wildlife encounters, it's easy to see why this hidden gem remains one of the Miami Valley's favorite outdoor destinations.

Recipe of the Week

```html

Recipe of the Week

🌽 Grilled Honey Lime Corn on the Cob

Nothing says summer quite like fresh sweet corn. This Grilled Honey Lime Corn on the Cob adds a delicious twist to a backyard favorite with a buttery honey-lime glaze that's perfect for cookouts, picnics, and family dinners.

🛒 Ingredients

• 6 ears fresh sweet corn, husked
• 4 tablespoons butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons honey
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

👨‍🍳 Directions

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, honey, and lime juice.
3. Place the corn on the grill and cook for 10–12 minutes, turning every few minutes until lightly charred.
4. Brush the honey-lime mixture over the corn during the final few minutes of grilling.
5. Sprinkle with chili powder, cilantro, salt, and pepper if desired.
6. Serve immediately with extra lime wedges.

🍽️ Pairs Perfectly With

• Grilled burgers
• BBQ chicken
• Pulled pork sandwiches
• Garden salad
• Fresh watermelon

💡 Kitchen Tip

For extra smoky flavor, soak the ears of corn in water for about 15 minutes before grilling. If you prefer, leave the husks on while grilling and peel them back just before serving.

Why you'll love it: Sweet, buttery, and bursting with fresh summer flavor, this easy side dish is a guaranteed hit at any barbecue or picnic. It comes together in less than 20 minutes and complements almost any grilled entrée.

```

Home Tips

```html

Home Tips

🌺 Keep Your Flowers Blooming All Summer Long

Ohio gardens are bursting with color this time of year, but summer heat can quickly take its toll on flowers. With a few simple maintenance tips, you can keep your flower beds and containers looking healthy and vibrant well into the season.

Spending just a few minutes each week tending your plants can reward you with months of beautiful blooms.

💧 1. Water Deeply, Not Daily

Instead of watering a little every day, give your flowers a deep soaking two or three times a week. This encourages stronger root growth and helps plants withstand hot summer weather.

✂️ 2. Remove Spent Blooms

Deadheading, or removing faded flowers, encourages many annuals and perennials to produce new blooms instead of putting energy into making seeds.

🌱 3. Add Fresh Mulch

A two- to three-inch layer of mulch helps retain moisture, keeps roots cooler, and reduces weed growth. It also gives your flower beds a neat, finished appearance.

🌞 4. Feed Your Plants

Container flowers and annuals benefit from a balanced liquid fertilizer every few weeks during the growing season. Always follow the directions on the label to avoid overfeeding.

🐝 5. Plant for Pollinators

Flowers such as coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, bee balm, and zinnias attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees, helping your garden thrive while supporting local wildlife.

💡 Gardening Tip

The best time to water is early in the morning. Watering before the heat of the day reduces evaporation and gives plants plenty of time to absorb moisture before temperatures rise.

Why it matters: A healthy, colorful garden not only boosts your home's curb appeal but also creates a welcoming outdoor space to enjoy all summer long. A little care each week can keep your landscape looking its best through the hottest months of the year.

```

💡 Answer to Trivia Question:

John Folkerth became Dayton's first official mayor in 1829 when the city's new charter replaced the position of town council president with the office of mayor. A respected early businessman and civic leader, Folkerth helped guide Dayton during a period of rapid growth and development.