Lorain County celebrates Fourth of July

ELYRIA — Lorain County celebrated the United States' 249th birthday on Friday with food and community and fireworks, with more celebrations today. What amounted to a three-day weekend started Friday with many government and public offices closed in observance of the holiday that celebrates the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Friday night, visitors were invited to Elyria's 2025 Independence Day celebration at West Park for music, food and activities capped off with fireworks. Elyrians didn't wait for the official fireworks show to blow things up, taking advantage of the three hours from 8 to 11 p.m. on the Fourth of July during which a city ordinance allows fireworks to be shot off. And take advantage they did, with a host of mortars and bottle rockets blasting off in the neighborhoods surrounding West Park as dark approached and then fell. Elyria residents Robert Taylor, his daughter Olivia and niece Layla Novosielski were decked out in red, white and blue shirts as they waited for the main fireworks display. Independence Day "is one of our favorite holidays," Robert Taylor said. In Elyria, "the show's always good," he said. Olivia and Layla's T-shirts said "Elyria Fourth of July" the girls said they got in Friday's basketball skills contest. Layla gave a rundown of all the skills, from running an obstacle course to dribbling and shooting three-pointers. Favorite fireworks? The ones that after they go "boom," they shimmer, Olivia said. The Lorain Port and Finance Authority sponsored fireworks from Mile Long Pier on Lakeside Avenue. The party continues today with Grafton's Fourth of July parade stepping off at 3 p.m. today from the village Fire Department on Chestnut Street, ending with food trucks, bands and fireworks at Willow Park. Local officials and elected representatives also shared their thoughts on the meaning of Independence Day. Lorain County Prosecutor Tony Cillo wrote on Facebook he was "reminded of the profound responsibility we carry in upholding the values that define our nation — justice, liberty, and the rule of law" and how "Today is a moment to reflect on the sacrifices made for our independence and to recommit ourselves to integrity, and justice under the law." "Today, we celebrate the anniversary of our independence and honor the brave individuals who fought for our freedom," the office of U.S. Rep. Bob Latta, R-Bowling Green, said in a news release. State Rep. Joe Miller, D-Amherst, shared a similar sentiment. "This Independence Day, we celebrate our freedom and those who who have made it possible," he wrote on Facebook. America's 250th birthday is in 2026. Information about state and national celebrations can be found at America250.org.Contact Dave O'Brien at (440) 329-7129 or dobrien@chroniclet.com