Just because a lot of cities have cut out fireworks because of the crappy economy (the spectacular display hosted by Euclid is the saddest casualty), it doesn’t mean you can’t plan a festive Independence Day. Cleveland’s display was rescued from the brink of extinction (yet again): They’ll be fired off from the mouth of the Cuyahoga at dusk, with family activities in the Flats starting at 6 p.m. Parma also canceled fireworks, but its parade is still on, stepping off at 10 a.m. from Ridge and Snow roads. Lakewood’s day starts with a parade at 10 a.m., stepping off from Kenneth and Lake avenues and heading to Lakewood Park, where there will be food, games and other activities — including a 7 p.m. concert by the Lakewood Project and fireworks at dusk. Westlake also has a parade, starting at the high school at 10 a.m., plus a classic-car show and music at Crocker Park from 10 a.m., and festivities in Clague Park starting at 4, with fireworks ending the evening. Bay Village concludes its four-day Bay Days Festival in Cahoon Memorial Park, with rides, games, food, booths and fireworks tonight. You can also see fireworks at Solon Community Park, Strongsville’s Soltz Athletic Fields, Shaker Heights Middle School, Eastlake’s Classic Park, Mentor Municipal Center and Willoughby’s South High School, all at dusk. A little further out, Cedar Point and Geneva-on-the-Lake also have fireworks displays. At 8 p.m., Blossom Music Center (1145 W. Steels Corners Rd., Cuyahoga Falls, 216.231.1111, clevelandorchestra.com) will have the second night of its Blossom Festival Band’s Salute to the USA which also concludes with — you guessed it! — fireworks. Tickets: $19-$42. And finally, head to the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo (3900 Wildlife Way, 216.661.6500, clemetzoo.com) wearing something red, white or blue for $2 off admission (regularly $10 adults, $7 kids 2-11) for today’s Red, White and Zoo celebration. They’ll have patriotic music and holiday-themed animal activities from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. — so you’ve got plenty of time to make it to a fireworks display. — Anastasia Pantsios
© 2023 Cleveland Scene
