Licking County Independence Day activities, events spotlighted

Newark Annual Independence Day concert and fireworks display

•When: Friday, July 3

•Where: Martha Grace Reese Amphitheater, Newark Campus of Ohio State University and Central Ohio Technical College, Newark

•FYI: Sticks & Stones performing at 6:30 p.m. and the Newark-Granville Symphony Orchestra at 8 p.m. Fireworks at dusk. Local vendors serving food and beverages will also be present. Public encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets and a picnic meal.

Granville Fourth of July Celebration

•When: Wednesday, July 1, to Saturday, July 4

•Where: Downtown Granville

•FYI: Highlights Wednesday include Granville High School A Capella Singer at 6 p.m., Granville’s Got Talent Show at 6:30 p.m. and Little Patch of Soul at 9 p.m. Thursday will feature Christina Barth at 1:30 p.m., a fiddling contest at 3 p.m. Pete Shew and the Back Porch Swing Band at 7 p.m., The Conspiracy Band at 8 p.m. and fireworks at 10 p.m. On Friday will be senior box lunch bingo at 10 a.m., Ultrasounds at 1 p.m., Steel Drum Band Extravagana at 2 p.m., Shawna Corder and the Shining Stars at 4 p.m., Granville High School Jazz Band at 6 p.m., Granville Recreation Bingo at 6 p.m. and Captain Fantastic and the Magic of Elton John at 8:30 p.m. Saturday will feature the Firecracker Five Foot Race at 7:45 a.m., Mile Long Parade at 10:45 a.m., the 4-H Band at noon, Vintage Voices concert at 2:30 p.m., Supafun Brass Band at 5:30 p.m., Granville Recreation District Bingo at 6 p.m., Mike Perkins and Friends at 7:30 p.m., Bob Piascik Trio at 9:30 p.m.

Buckeye Lake Mini-BLAAST

•When: 10 p.m. Friday, July 3

•Where: Fairfield Beach

•FYI: Fireworks committee chose not to ask businesses for donations this year due to lowering lake levels this spring. Residents can send donations to BLAAST, P.O. Box 475, Millersport.

Old-Fashioned Fourth of July Community Celebration

•When: Saturday, July 4

•Where: National Trails Volunteer Fire Department, Gratiot

•FYI: Food at 4 p.m., bounce house at 4:30 p.m., parade at 6:30 p.m., food to be served

Star-Spangled Celebration

•When: Thursday, July 2

•Where: John Geller Park, 580 Cynthia St., Heath

•FYI: Festivities at 5 p.m. with fireworks at dusk

Johnstown Community Fireworks

•When: Friday, July 3

•Where: Johnstown High School, 401 S. Oregon St., Johnstown

•FYI: Events start at 8 p.m. with a flag raising, introduction of dignitaries, musice by the Jump Quartet, the Little Miss Firecracker program and recognition of American Legion Citizen of the Year Eileen Baesmann, Legionnaire of the Year Bruce Toole and scholarships award winner Hannah Vicroy. Fireworks at 10 p.m.

Utica Fourth of July Fireworks

•When: Saturday, July 4

•Where: Southend Park, 60 Blacksnake Road, Utica

•FYI: Fireworks at 9:45 p.m.

Pataskala Fourth of July Fireworks

•When: Saturday, July 4

•Where: Foundation Park, 10255 McIntosh Road, Pataskala

•FYI: Activities throughout the day starting at 9 a.m., Perfect Timing Band at 5:30 p.m., fireworks at 10 p.m.