STEUBENVILLE - Look to the local sky at night on July 1 and there's likely to be quite a show.
The city's fireworks display will launch from the upper tier of the Hollywood City Center, right behind Kroger and up from the Harding Stadium practice field.
Mayor Domenick Mucci said the colorful explosions are anticipated to begin at 9:45 p.m. following the second-annual Stars and Stripes Concert at Harding Stadium sponsored by the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce and WTOV-TV.
Pyrotecnico, which is based out of New Castle, Pa., will be providing the fireworks display this year. Mucci noted that company has provided Toronto with its city fireworks, as well.
The launch site is one of the highest points in Steubenville, according to Mucci, who said the show should be able to be observed from several areas throughout the community and residential subdivisions.
He said residents who don't attend the concert shouldn't worry because there are plenty of areas and other sites to watch the fireworks from due to the launching site's high location.
Mucci also mentioned that starting at noon that day the "Family of Fun Zone" will be open and free to all residents. It will be located at the Harding practice field and will feature inflatable games and activities, as well as food vendors.
"I want to encourage everyone to come throughout the day to the Harding Stadium area and have some free fun and entertainment for all ages," said Mucci.
Tickets for the July 1 Stars and Stripes Concert featuring the Clarks and the Joe Zelek Band, set to begin at 7 p.m., are currently on sale at Kwik King locations on Main Street in Wintersville, North Seventh Street in Steubenville and Franklin Street and Fourth Street in Toronto; Peoples National Bank branches on East Main Street in Adena, Union Street in Mount Pleasant and Smithfield Street in Dillonvale; online by visiting the chamber website at www.jeffersoncountychamber.com; or in person at the chamber office, 630 Market St., Steubenville.
General admission bleacher tickets cost $15, while field seating tickets cost $20 if purchased in advance. General admission bleacher tickets will cost $20 and field seating tickets will cost $25 if purchased the day of the concert. Gates for the concert will open at 6 p.m. that day.
Also at noon that day in the upper parking lot there will be the Stars and Stripes Car Show, as well as karaoke and a disc jockey until 3 p.m. A beer garden and a local vendors will be located in the Kroger grocery store lot in Hollywood City Center.
Mucci said last year was the first time the city had moved the fireworks display from the Fourth of July. He said the response from the public has been outstanding and that residents have liked the idea.
"We're not ignoring the holiday or the celebration of America's birthday. We're extending the festivities," said Mucci.
Gates to the concert open at 5:30 p.m. with Joe Zelek taking the stage at 7 p.m. The Clarks will perform at 8:15 p.m.
Major event sponsors are Chesapeake Energy, the city of Steubenville, Hollywood City Center, Steubenville City Schools and TEAM Automotive. Other sponsors include WesBanco, Choice Brands of Ohio, the Herald-Star, AEP Ohio, Iron City Distributing, Kwik King Food Stores and New York Life.
There also will be activities on July 4 including a senior citizen luncheon at noon in the JFK Building on North Sixth Street and free swimming from noon to 5 p.m. at Belleview Park.
For tickets and information on the Stars and Stripes concert, go to www.jeffersoncountychamber.com or call (740) 282-6226.
