Loveland cancels Independence Day parade

BY JOE WESSELS
Loveland Local News

LOVELAND, Ohio — Loveland leaders have called off the annual Independence Day parade and other downtown festivities, another effect of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

A fireworks show will happen that evening – in conjunction with Symmes Township officials – emanating simultaneously from Loveland’s Stephen C. Boike III Youth Athletic Park, adjacent to Loveland High School at Tiger Trail and Rich Road, and Symmes Township’s Symmes Park on N. Lebanon Road across from Home of the Brave Park. City and township heads do not want onlookers to gather in central gathering spots to view the displays, adhering to health officials’ guidelines and warnings during the ongoing pandemic.

sparkler with flag
Joe Wessels | Loveland Local News

Residents who live near the two parks are asked to stay home, if they can, and other places around the two areas will be designated as spots where others can gather to see the concurrent shows – all while maintaining social distancing. The spaces welcoming citizens will be announced at a later date, according to a joint press release from Loveland and Symmes Township.

Symmes Township administrator, Kimberly Lapensee, said, in a release, she was excited to partner with Loveland “…while keeping our community safe.”

Loveland Mayor Kathy Bailey hoped, despite losing the other traditions this year, residents could find something to look forward to attending.

“(I) was disappointed that Loveland was not able to celebrate Independence Day without our traditional parade, concert and other downtown festivities, but hoped the firework shows would bring a sense of pride to our communities,” she said.

Last Updated on October 2, 2020 by Joe Wessels

About Joe Wessels 77 Articles
Long-time and award-winning Cincinnati-area journalist, radio show host, podcast producer and photographer Joe Wessels is the founder and publisher (and kinda the do-everything guy) of Loveland Local News. Previously, Wessels was the Cincinnati City Hall and Hamilton County reporter for The Cincinnati Post and a weekly columnist for Cincinnati CityBeat where he regularly broke news. Wessels moved to Loveland in 2014 and quickly realized Loveland would be a great place to fulfill his dream of creating his own online news and information publication.