Tens of thousands attend block party, fireworks show in Xenia

Thousands of people gathered in Xenia to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday.

As reported on News Center 7 at 11, tens of thousands showed up for the annual Kevin Sonnycalb Memorial Fireworks show.

“They did a really good job setting everything up,” Damon Dickey said.

This was Dickey’s first year attending.

His family had concerns about the weather but decided to come anyway.

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But the rain held off, allowing the Dickey family and everyone else to see the fireworks.

The event began 10 years ago in honor of Kevin Sonnycalb who died in 2011.

Sonnycalb was a member of Xenia’s Rotary Club.

He loved his city and fireworks.

After Xenia cut its fireworks because of costs, the Sonnycalb family stepped in to help bring them back.

“Really showing the community how much they mean to us, how much they meant to Kevin, and being able to just continue to grow and serve our community,” Steve Brodsky, Xenia Rotary Club member said.

There were activities for everyone, including a corn hole tournament where players competed for cash.

Now that the celebration is over, the Rotary Club is already making plans for next year.