EVENT DETAILS:

MIDWAY
The 2008 Orrville July 4th Celebration, sponsored by the Citizens, Businesses and Industries of Orrville and presented by the Orrville Firefighters Association, will once again provide Orrville and Wayne County with a full schedule of exciting events to celebrate America.  The July 4th Celebration will begin on Tuesday, July 1, and run through Saturday, July 5.  This year marks the 25th year of sponsorship of this by the Orrville Firefighters Association!

Once again the Carnival Midway will fill the southeast section of Orr Park throughout the week long Celebration of Independence.  The Carnival Midway will feature amusement rides from Bates Brothers Amusements, Inc., Carnival Games, and, of course, Great Carnival Food!.  The Midway will be open as follows: 

FIREWORKS
You have waited all week . . . perhaps all year, for this!  On Saturday, July 5, at approximately 10 pm, all attention will be focused on the skies above Orrville.  In celebration of our nation's freedom and citizenship in the great City of Orrville, Wayne County, Ohio, U.S.A. . . . the sky will be filled with thunderous noise and beautiful color in the form of the Orrville 2008 "Triple Three Alarm Fire in the Sky."  This fireworks display has the reputation of being the biggest and the best show in the area, and 2008 will be no exception. 

The Orrville Firefighters Association and Zambelli Internationale has formulated a fireworks show that will leave no one disappointed.  Perhaps the most frequent comment spectators tell members of the Orrville Firefighters Association following the fireworks show is "that may be one of the BEST FIREWORKS SHOWS I have ever seen!"  At the end of the 2008 show, we hope you can say "They did it again!"  Wait, we need to correct that thought.  You should say "WE DID IT AGAIN!"  Take great pride in the Fireworks Show you have just seen because without YOUR support, it couldn't happen!

In what may be considered an "Unprecedented Gesture of Goodwill" in local fireworks lore, the opening of the 2008 Orrville fireworks show will feature a salute to the City of Wooster in honor of Wooster's Bicentennial and will feature a massive barrage of Thunderous Blue and Glittering Gold pyrotechnics -- the OFFA's way of saying Happy 200 Years to our neighbors to the west!

By putting your spare change in a boot at Mrs. J's Restaurant or KC's Lunch counter, a buck or two in the boot as it passes by before the show, the donations sent in by citizens or many of Orrville's great businesses and industries, and some hard work by a bunch of firefighters . . . that IS the recipe for success and for the biggest and best fireworks show in Ohio!  Take great pride in the fireworks show, because without YOUR support, it couldn't happen!  Just in case you missed the "Boot" or were not sure where to send in a donation, they can be sent to the Orrville Firefighters Association, PO Box 144, Orrville, OH  44667.

So please, come early, find a good seat, plan a picnic in Orr Park, enjoy some family time, and find a Fire Boot to toss in some cash.  But by 10 pm, be ready, lay back, and look up!  At 10:30 you will know that you have just seen the Greatest Fireworks Show -- right in your own hometown!

HANDICAP PARKING FOR FIREWORKS -- Additional handicap parking spaces will be reserved in the Orrville High School parking lot.  Enter the lot at the south parking lot drive.  The entire row of spaces located along the south side of the driveway will be reserved for handicap parking for fireworks night.

DON'T LITTER -- Again the Orrville Firefighters Association ask that you help to keep Orrville Clean and Beautiful.  Many spectators arrive very early to their favorite viewing areas around town for the fireworks show.  We again ask that you also pack a trash bag and collect your trash and dispose of it properly.  Each year following the fireworks, the viewing area is littered with trash and debris from those who come to watch.  We ask that you help to keep Orrville Clean and Beautiful!

FIREWORKS SAFETY
Our #1 priority is and will always be the safety of those in attendance.  For the past 24 years, the Orrville Firefighters Association has built a reputation that makes Orrville the place to be to see one of the most spectacular fireworks displays in the State of Ohio.  In year 2008, we have once again "raised the bar" and will be presenting our largest fireworks show ever!

The Orrville Firefighters Association would like to take a moment to remind all spectators about an issue regarding fireworks that we never take lightly . . . the dangerous side of fireworks.  Each and every year hundreds of people across our great nation are injured or killed in fireworks related accidents.  To insure a safe year 2008 program, the Orrville Firefighters Association is again requesting your cooperation in making this a safe event.

The "Fireworks Safety Zone" will begin to take shape on Friday, July 4  During mid-morning on Friday, July 4, Ella Street will be closed to thru traffic between the north driveway of Fox's Pizza and the driveway of the Orrville Board of Education offices as fireworks systems are constructed.  Very early on Thursday, July 3, the Fireworks Safety Zone perimeter will be established.  Yellow banner tape will be used to establish the required safety zone to insure safety to all persons involved in the fireworks show, as well as the general public.

Obviously, to provide a fireworks show of the caliber seen in Orrville, a great deal of pyrotechnic motors are present in the Fireworks Shoot Zone.  In order to comply with fire safety standards, State of Ohio fire codes, and good old common sense, NO PERSONS ARE ALLOWED TO ENTER INTO THE SHOOT ZONE AFTER THE FIREWORKS ARRIVE ON SCENE!

Due to the size of Orrville fireworks show, a very, very large safety zone surrounding the fireworks shoot zone will be cordoned off.  Beginning on Thursday, July 3, NO ONE will be permitted in this area once the fireworks arrive.  Areas that will be inside the new safety zone include the following:

• The area around Schmid Hall in lower Orr Park;
• The areas around the Little League baseball diamonds located between Ella Street and Hall Street;
• The parking area on the south side of the Orrville Board of Education offices and Orrville High School;
• The area in lower Orr Park north of Schmid Hall to the Orrville High School;
• The area around the Orrville Boys and Girls Club;
• The open field areas located along the east side of Ella Street and north of Sterling Avenue commonly referred to as the Blackwell Williams property.

The perimeter of this entire area will be marked off with yellow warning tape and will be patrolled by personnel to assist those who may not be sure where they are permitted to sit.  We request your cooperation in maintaining the safety zone before, during, and after the fireworks program.

This safety zone may include an area where you sat and watched previous fireworks displays.  Please come to Orr Park early to insure you have a good place to watch the show.  We promise this year is one you will not want to miss!

ROAD CLOSINGS, Friday, July 4-- 

• Ella Street will be closed Friday morning, July 6, north of Fox's Pizza Den, 424 North Ella Street to the driveway at the Orrville Board of Education.  This portion of road will remain closed to ALL thru traffic until Saturday, July 7, at 12 midnight.  

ROAD CLOSINGS, Saturday, July 5 -- 

• The Ella Street closing will be expanded north to the driveway at Lamplight Court Apartments, 930 North Ella Street.  This portion of road will remain closed to ALL thru traffic until Saturday, July 7, at midnight.  You will still have access to Pizzazios Pizza's parking lot and be able to get a great PIZZA, and all residents of Lamplight Court Apartments will have access to their apartments from the north.
• Hall Street, between High Street and Church Street will be closed.
• West High Street will be closed at approximately 6 pm between Ella Street and Elm Street.

Due to the large number of people that come to see the parade and fireworks, traffic delays are inevitable.  We ask that you please be patient, and operate your motor vehicle carefully and safely.  There will be extra law enforcement units on duty to assist in keeping traffic moving smoothly in and out of town.  The Orrville Firefighters Association suggests that you come early and leave late, relax and enjoy . . . and avoid the jam.

ASA GIRLS FAST PITCH SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT - July 4-6, 2008

The 5th Annual "Fire in the Sky" ASA Girls 14 & Under softball tournament will begin at 6 p.m.  Games will run on Orr Park's Mizer Field (the main softball diamond), the back softball diamond, and the softball diamond located at the Orrville Christian Church on North Elm Street adjacent to Orr Park.  For 2008, this tournament is designated as a "National Qualifier" Tournament.  The Tournament Champion will receive an automatic bid to the Class "A" National ASA 14 and Under Softball Tournament and the Tournament "Runner-Up" will receive an automatic bid to the Class "B" National ASA 14 & Under Softball Tournament.

See attached tournament details, registration information, registration form, and team roster form. 

Proceeds go toward the Orrville Firefighters Association's July 4th Fireworks Display and various programs of the Orrville YMCA.

MUSIC

Thursday, July 3:    Special Request will perform in Rehm Performing Arts Pavilion at 7 pm.
Audiences agree, from the big band era classics to modern hits, Special Request is one of the most versatile and talented bands in Northeast Ohio.  Their rich sound is unparalleled and each performance is always extremely entertaining.  This performance, located in the lower portion of Orr Park is free and open to the public.  Just bring a lawn chair or blanket, sit back, and enjoy.  In the event of inclement weather, the performance will be held at the Orrville High School auditorium.

Saturday, July 5:  A Free "Concert at the Carnival" feature the new local band -- 1803.  The band 1803 takes it name from the year President Thomas Jefferson signed an act of Congress that approved Ohio as a State.  1803 will take stage in the Carnival Midway at 8:00 pm and will play through 10:00 pm, featuring a mix of modern country music.  1803's final set will feature a "special set" of tunes honoring America ending with lead guitarist Deric Craig hammering out his guitar solo of "The Star Spangled Banner.

2008 Rehm Performing Arts Schedule

PARADE

Parade Entry application                     Parade Info letter

The annual Independence Parade will start promptly at 7 pm on Tuesday, July 1.   Parade line-up will begin at 5 pm on North Ella Street.  OFFA members will be present in the area to assist you to your location in the line-up.  You must enter the parade line-up area from the north, utilizing Mineral Spring Street.  Ella Street will be closed at High Street and no traffic will be permitted onto Ella From High Street.  All parade participants must be in position by 6:45 pm, as the parade will start promptly at 7 pm! 

The 200+ parade participants in the Independence Parade will include the marching group, comic unit, commercial float, non-profit organization float, church organization, antique tractor, antique auto, street rod, equestrian mounted, equestrian hitch, and the Judge's Award.  The parade Grand Marshall will be the 2007 Orrville Firefighter of the Year Josh Garrett.  The parade will form on North Ella Street beginning at West High Street and to the north along Ella Street.  Parade applications can be obtained by one of the following methods:

1. Call 330-684-5051 and leave your name and address and an entry form will be mailed to you;
2. Access the Orrville Firefighters webpage at www.orrvillefirefighters.org and under the "Events" link, download or print out the entry form and mail it to the address listed;
3. Access the City of Orrville's webpage at www.orrville.com and follow the link to the parade entry form, download or print out the entry form and mail it to the address listed.

The parade route will be as follows:
South on Ella Street to High Street; east on High Street to Main Street; south on Main Street to Market Street; west on Market Street to Maple Street; north on Maple Street to High Street, east on High Street to Elm Street; north on Elm Street and ending.  The Orrville Firefighters Association would like to invite all parade participants to visit the midway area and enjoy the Carnival Rides, Games and Food.  All parade trophies will be handed out approximately 30 minutes after the conclusion of the parade in the cardinal midway area near the Orrville Firefighters Association tent.

Please return your entry form at least one week prior to the parade via mail or fax at 330-684-5052.  For additional information contact 330-684-5051.  Leave a message and someone will return your call.

A "QUIET ZONE"  will once again be maintained from the intersection of West High and Vine Streets and runs to the intersection between West Market and Liberty Streets for families with small children or those with sensitive hearing.

CANDY --Everybody loves a parade . . . so arrive early, relax and enjoy Orrville on this very special night.  Performing for you during the parade will be many of the wonderful people and organizations that make Orrville and Wayne County the great place that it is.  Of course, one reason children love parades is CANDY!  As you sit along the parade, please carefully watch your children so that they do not run out into the street to pick up candy as the parade entrants go past.  If you are going to participate in the parade, we would like to remind you that throwing candy from parade vehicles is not permitted.  Please walk beside your parade entry and hand out your items.  Please help us to insure the Orrville July 4th Parade is a Fun, Exciting, and Safe event for all those involved.  

HANDICAP PARKING -- One area has been dedicated for additional handicap parking spaces for this event.  In the Quiet Zone, the entire row of parking spaces along West Market Street in the City parking lot located on the south side of Market Street between Liberty and Depot Streets will be reserved for handicap parking.  

PLEASE DO NOT LITTER!  Our parade attracts thousands of spectators along the parade route.  If you bring snacks, food, and drinks to enjoy while watching the parade, we ask that you also pack a trash bag and collect your trash and dispose of it properly.  Each year following the parade, the viewing route is littered with trash and debris from those who come to watch.  We ask that you please help to keep Orrville Clean and Beautiful!  The Orrville Firefighters Association will be placing waste containers along the parade route to help you to dispose of trash properly.

Following the parade, the Orrville Firefighters Association would like to invite everyone to the Carnival Midway area to enjoy the carnival rides, food, and games.  All parade trophies will be awarded within 30 minutes after the conclusion of the parade in the midway area near the Oreville Firefighters tent.

WEATHER -- In the event inclement weather is present on the date of the parade, the parade will be postponed to the next clear night with the line-up at 5 pm and a parade start time of 7 pm.  The decision to postpone the parade will be made at or before 4:00 pm on Tuesday, July 1, based on the weather at that time.  Please check local radio Station WQKT 104.5 Wooster for a cancellation notice.

BICYCLE GIVE-AWAY

At approximately 9 pm on Friday, July 4, the Orrville Firefighters Association will conduct the drawing for the Annual Free Bicycle Give-Away.  Five lucky girls and five lucky boys will win free Mountain Bikes and helmets.  Members of the Orrville Police Department Bicycle Patrol Unit will be on hand to present the bicycles to the boys and girls and will also register each bicycle in the Orrville Police Department Bicycle Registration Program.

FREE tickets will be available for all children 12 YEARS OF AGE AND YOUNGER at the Firefighters tent each night of the carnival.  You must be present at the drawing to win.

FIRECRACKER 5K RUN - 1 MILE FUN RUN / WALK - Friday, July 4

The Orrville Rotary is sponsoring a 5K Run - 1 Mile Fun Run / Walk on Friday, July 4, 2008.  There is an 8:30 start time (registration begins at 7:30 am) at the Orrville High School parking lot. 

• 5K (3.1 miles) over paved roads.  Course clearly marked with traffic control and protection.  Times at finish.  The Orrville Rotary Club will conduct the run.

• $15.00 payable to:  Orrville Rotary Club, PO Box 282, Orrville, OH  44667.  For registration forms, please visit www.orrvillerotary.org.

• All registered runners will receive an event t-shirt.

• Trophy given to top overall male and female runners.  Runners finishing in the top three in each age group will receive awards.

• Free refreshments for all walkers and runners following the race.

• All race proceeds go to support the "RED RIDERS READ" Literacy Project.