The Orrville Fourth of July Festival is reaching a milestone this week with its 40th annual Fire in the Sky celebration and the 20th ASA Girls 14U softball tournament.
The five-day festival began Tuesday with the Independence Day parade.
More than 200 units gathered at 5 p.m. at the Orrville High School parking lot get in the parade lineup.
“Since it’s not a holiday, we try to accommodate the fact that people possibly work till 5 or later, so they can still get out to the parade at 7 with their families,” said Craig Hostetler, president of the Firefighter Association.
This year, the OFFA partnered with Verizon to enhance communication during the festival.
“We have a portable Verizon tower on the premises,” Hostetler said, which helps attendees track their kids better while they’re on the festival grounds. “Our goal is to make it safer for our families out there."
Floats and Fourth of July memories
With sirens blaring, units began moving at 7 p.m. from Ella and High streets. Gentry Dumpster Service grabbed the attention of attendees with a race car replica attached to its dumpster truck.
“This is kind of our fun thing; we race locally at the Wayne County Speedway,” said JR Gentry, owner of Gentry Dumpster Service. He started the business about two years ago in Wooster. “We wanted to get out and draw a lot of attention so people can remember us.”
Ashley Fetzer, the owner of The Faithful Little Cupcake, said participating in events gives her a sense of being part of the community. Along with her team and their families, they enjoy seeing everyone who comes out.
The roots of Fire in the Sky began as a festival held by the city’s chapter of Jaycees (Junior Chamber). When the chamber decided it could no longer hold the festival, the Orrville Fire Department took over and expanded its activities, making it one of the most anticipated events for residents of Orrville and neighboring areas.
Parade brings back old and makes new memories
Councilman Kyle Shanklin recalls helping out with the OFFA as a child; today, he volunteers by organizing the parade and the softball tournament. “My brother and my dad were in the fire department, so I grew up with it,” Shanklin said. Although organizing the units can be hectic, everything comes together in the end. “I love seeing people come out, no matter their beliefs; they just enjoy the parade,” he said.
While kids carry empty bags to fill with candies and goodies from the passing floats, 13-year-old Drew Miller and 10-year-old Jase McGrew guide the traffic along the route.
“We’re helping down here, and then we’ll ride the truck in the parade,” Miller said.
McGrew, who volunteered with the OFFA last year, said it was something fun to do in the summer. After assisting with the parade, they also help out at the carnival and the softball tournament.
“It’s fun talking to all the firefighters,” McGrew said.
“Hearing some of their stories and learning from their experiences,” Miller added.
The fun continues with the carnival midway open 5-11 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and noon-11 p.m. Saturday offering plenty of rides, games, food vendors and activities.
The finale will take place on Saturday at 10:15 p.m. with a grand fireworks show marking the 40th annual celebration.
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