NEWS

Family FunFest precedes fireworks

Kate Snyder
Reporter

ZANESVILLE – For years, residents of Zanesville and the surrounding communities have gathered at the Boy Scouts Service Center to watch the fireworks, but this was the first Fourth of July that the Muskingum Valley Council Boy Scouts hosted a Family FunFest leading up to the show.

Attendees could participate in activities such as archery, face painting, cornhole and horseshoe tosses and a shooting range. Free hot dogs, cotton candy and popcorn were available, as well as educational activities such as compass reading and flag folding.

"We come here every year (to watch the fireworks)," said Melissa Musgrave, of Zanesville, who attended the event with her husband and children. "This is just an added bonus."

Kail Musgrave, her husband, said their oldest son is a Boy Scout, and participating in the event is one way they could support him and his organization. Each of the activities and all of the food were available for no cost, but donations were taken.

"It's an expensive thing for them to run," he said.

He said he hopes the Family FunFest would be an annual event.

Christine Shumate, of New Concord, attended the event with her family; her youngest son is a member of the Scouts. Although her family watches fireworks shows every summer, they have never seen the show in Zanesville before.

"It gives them something to do," she said, rather than just sit and wait for fireworks.

Ed Mulholland, executive director of Muskingum Valley Council Boy Scouts, said the Family FunFest was a way to thank the community for supporting the local Boy Scouts and to provide information about the organization.

"Everybody was here anyway," he said.

Residents lined up on the hill on folding chairs and blankets, preparing for late Saturday night, when the fireworks would start.

The fireworks were launched over the river from the Y-Bridge.

Before the fireworks show, the event also featured a flag retirement ceremony and a performance by Pyrotechnica, a fire dancing group. Forty volunteers hosted the activities, Mulholland said.

"It turned out great," he said. "Perfect day."

ksnyder2@zanesvilletimesrecorder.com

740-450-6752

Twitter: @KL_Snyder