Star Spangled Spectacular: A guide

LIMA - What's red and white and blue all over?

The answer isn't a bad joke punch line. It's the Star Spangled Spectacular, Lima's annual July 4th celebration with fireworks, games, entertainment and more.

Back for another year, organizers have packed even more activities into the day-long affair, said Bill Clinger, marketing director for The Lima News.

"With gas prices and with the long weekend, we thought a lot of people would be staying close to home," he said. "We wanted to make the extra effort to make everything even more special. With the fireworks, fabulous entertainment and exceptional kids activities, we think this will be out best event ever."

The fun kicks off at 9 a.m. Friday with 5K run/walk, for which participants can register the day of the event. Other athletic events throughout the day include a sand volleyball tournament, a family kickball tournament and a cornhole tournament. Interested participants should call the city of Lima Parks, Recreation and Forestry Division at 419-221-5215 for team rules, registration fees and other information.

For the kids, Clinger said organizers have expanded available activities and rides. At 1 p.m., kids can test their rod and reel skills with a fishing derby. Crafts and games might also catch their eyes from 2 to 5 p.m., as might the free kiddie rides from 3 to 9 p.m.

Kids as well as adults can sit back and enjoy the free entertainment at two stages throughout the day. On the pavilion stage, local talents the Will Freed Band and The Indoorfins will rock the house, while Columbus-based The Danger Brothers and the Lima Symphony Orchestra will perform on the main stage.

Finally, the day's main attraction, the fireworks, will light up the sky beginning at 10 p.m. The fireworks show will be live broadcast on the radio as well as on www.limaohio.com. A free shuttle will run from the St. Rita's Medical Center main parking lot.

Star Spangled Spectacular

WHEN: 9 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Friday

WHERE: Faurot Park, Lima

COST: Free

FOR MORE INFO: Call The Lima News at 419-223-1010.

9 a.m.: Star Spangled Spectacular 5K Run-Walk

9 a.m. to 9 p.m. - Recreation department games

9 a.m. Abilities baseball games

11 a.m.: Superior Federal Credit Union vs. St. Rita's Medical Center softball game

Noon: City/media softball game

4 to 9 p.m.: Boys All-Star baseball games

10 a.m.: Volleyball tournament

Noon to 10 p.m.: Food booths/concessions

Noon: Family kickball tournament

1 to 11 p.m.: RTA shuttle from St. Rita's parking lot

1 to 8 p.m.: Military exhibits

1 p.m.: Lima Locos at Simmons Field

1 to 9 p.m. - Kid's Zone

1 to 3 p.m.: Fishing derby

2 to 5 p.m.: Interactive arts, crafts and games

3 to 9 p.m.: Kid's rides

1 to 5 p.m. - Pavilion stage

1 p.m.: Will Freed Band

3 p.m.: Indoorfins

2 p.m.: Cornhole tournament

5 to 10:30 p.m. - Main stage

5 p.m.: Danger Brothers

8 p.m.: Lima Symphony Orchestra

9:30 to 10:30 p.m.: Live radio and web broadcast

10 p.m.: Fireworks

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