FILE — Laura Compston, of Lima, wears a light up patriotic headband during the Star Spangled Spectacular at Faurot Park in 2017. Compston was at the event with her mom and brother.
File photo | The Lima News
LIMA — Thousands of spectators on average converge in Faurot Park for Lima’s Star Spangled Spectacular on July 4th each year, making it one of Lima’s largest annual events.
The celebration of America’s independence, including an annual fireworks show and entertainment, is made possible due to the generosity of over 20 sponsors.
“I’ve been doing this for six years,” said Jennifer Griffith, who is the head chair of the Star Spangled Spectacular in 2022. Griffith is employed by Tom Ahl, and has been participating in helping to coordinate the event in that time.
Each of the other major sponsors also has an individual representative chair for the event. Mike Carpenter and Dan McCormick represent Hometown Stations, Kelsey Joseph represents Superior Credit Union and Ric Stolly represents the City of Lima.
The ‘Freedom 5K Run and Walk’ will begin at 9 a.m. and individuals can register online or on-site at the Pavilion in Faurot Park. Refreshments and snacks will be provided for participants.
“Over 1,000 people are expected to take off in the area’s largest run/walk. The race starts in Faurot Park on S. Cole St., near the Lakewood Avenue Intersection. It is sponsored by the Orthopaedic Institute of Ohio,” said Griffith.
At 8 p.m. the Lima Area Concert Band will play at the Rotary Pavilion in Faurot Park. The performance is sponsored by Husky Energy. To those in attendance, American flags will be passed out.
“Our Family has been giving out flags for 10 years at the Star Spangled Spectacular because we want to honor the courage and bravery of those who have fought and those who have died to allow us to have our freedom,” said Tom Ahl of Tom Ahl Family of Dealerships. Ahl hopes the event (and the donated flags) “will inspire future generations to make the sacrifices that will be necessary to forever keep us free.”
Food trucks will not be present this year, so those planning to attend are strongly encouraged to bring a cooler with water and non-alcoholic beverages, snacks, as well as lawn chairs or blankets.
Fireworks will begin at 10 p.m. Lima’s fireworks show is considered to be one of the best displays in the state.
The main show is sponsored by Citizens National Bank, Peacock, Procter & Gamble, and the grand finale is sponsored by Nutrien.
General parking will be available at Woodlawn Cemetery. Handicapped parking will be available along Park Drive (the road that runs through the park near the pond). Alternatively, parking will be available at St. Rita’s parking lot and shuttles will provide transportation to Faurot Park starting at 7 p.m.
Stay up to date on their website (lima4th.com) and on social media (Facebook and Twitter).
