The fourth of July brings joy to our lives every year. Whether its BBQ’s, swimming pools, fireworks, or red, white and blue everything: the fourth of July is a time to celebrate America, family, and fun.

Cleveland celebrates the fourth of July in many ways. Listed below are all the exciting activities to do around the area this year.

Also to take into consideration this 4th of July, there are higher risks of fires due to the extreme heat. To plan accordingly, look at the Cleveland fire marshall’s instructions HERE.

Cleveland 4^th of July Fireworks Display:
The fireworks will be shot from where Lake Erie meets the Cuyahoga River in the Flats on Wednesday at dusk.

Put-In-Bay:

If you want to make a fun trip out of your day off work, head over to Put-In-Bay. Enjoy activities that the Bay has to offer like camping, shopping, boating, fishing, night life and ferry boats.  After your day of adventure or relaxation, enjoy a fourth of July firework display the Bay is putting on. The island business owners and friends of the Bay will sponsor a fireworks program at dark. Fireworks will be over the downtown harbor – there will be a great view from the memorial and surrounding lawn. Bring a chair or a blanket!

Cedar Point, Sandusky OH:

Enjoy a fun day of amusement park excitement on Wednesday at Cedar Point! They have lots of deals and specials. Any active, retired or honorably-discharged member of the United States Armed Forces can receive one free regular admission ticket. They also will be having an all-you-can-eat buffet at the Coral Courtyard. Prices vary per age/meal type. The menu includes hot dogs, fried chicken, rigatoni, beans, potato salad, brats, and dessert. There will also be a firework display at 10:30 p.m.
For more info, click HERE.

Goodtime III Cruise On Lake Erie:

The Goodtime Cruise offers a fun night and beautiful views at a price on the 4^th. All guests will board the cruise ship at 6:00 p.m., departs at 6:30 and ends around 11:30 p.m. The Goodtime promises a wonderful sight of all the firework displays in the area that guests can view from the boat deck around dusk. Along with the fireworks to celebrate the fourth, there will be dinner and dancing while the sun sets over the water. The dinner includes hand-carved steamship round of beef, chicken breast with apricot sauce and delicious sides. The ship has four decks, and prices increase with the height of the deck, ranging from about $20-$80 per person.
For more info, click HERE.

Rib, White and Blue: Ohio’s Largest 4^th of July Rib Festival:

 The biggest and baddest rib vendors from all over America (and even overseas!) come together in Akron, OH every 4^th of July to participate in one of the biggest Rib Festivals in all of Ohio. The vendors will be vying for cash prizes and bragging rights as they attempt to ‘smoke’ the competition.  Bring the whole family for live music, kiddie rides, sizzling food and a firework display at 9:45 p.m. Located at the Akron Civic Theater, free admission for all.

Wooster 4^th of July Firework Celebration & Motorcycle Games:

Gather at 6 p.m. in Wooster on Oldman Road for local family fun, games, and fireworks. Besides the firework display, there will be a registration for games that start at 7 p.m. This event includes games such as, a slow ride, jousting, water balloon toss, ringer, also cash prizes, 50/50 drawing and much more!

2012 July 4th Twin Sizzler 5k, 10k, Bike Race and Fun Run:

For those who want to celebrate America’s birthday in an active ,healthy way – this is the option for you! There will be a series of races and fun runs starting at 7:45 a.m. on Wednesday, July 4^th. 5k starts at 7:45. Walk at 7:50. Registration from 6:00 am to 7:30 am. Fun run starts at 8:40. 10k starts at 9:00. Registration from 6:00 am to 8:45 am. 27 Mile Bike Race staggered start commences at 8:15am. Registration from 6:00 am to 7:30 am. Participants may register for a second event for just $5 on the day of the event.

Register HERE.

Fireworks with the Cleveland Orchestra:

July 4 Salute to America – 8 p.m.
Price: $25 to $45 under the roof/$20 lawn seats

The Cleveland Orchestra will open its summer season by playing a patriotic concert to honor the 4^th of July at Blossom Music Center. The orchestra will play a selection of American classics, and end with Tchaikovsky’s 1812 overture. You’re allowed to bring a picnic with wine, and enjoy it on the lawn or at a picnic table. The concert will, of course, end with a firework display.

More info HERE.

Nelson Ledges:

Nelson Ledges and Quarry Park will be holding it’s 4^th of July Celebration and Grateful Fest being held from July 4^th through July 8^th. There will be two stages, a geodesic dome with jam collaborations and art installations through the woods. The Rumpke Mountain Boys will headline on Wednesday. There will be music, fun, fireworks and food.

For more info, click HERE.

Local Firework Displays:

There will also be firework displays in many different local suburbs of Cleveland. Some of these cities include Alliance, Avon Lake, Bay Village, Bedford, Berea, Chardon, Cuyahoga Falls, Eastlake, Fairlawn, Lakewood, Lorain, Mentor, North Canton, Solon, Strongsville, Westlake, and more.
For more info on these local firework displays, click HERE.

-Kate Murphy / 98.5 WNCX