Ariel-Foundation Park will host Mount Vernon's fireworks on Thursday, July 4. The fireworks, expected to start around 10 p.m., will be preceded by a concert at the Schnormeier Event Center, with opener McLennon at 5 p.m., Chaz and Nicki at 6 p.m., and headliners Tom the Torpedoes at 7 p.m.
Kicking off the celebration at 5 p.m. is Desmond Wall as McLennon, a McCartney and Lennon tribute with Beatles and Post-Beatles era music featuring Wall’s British humor and Liverpool singing accent. McLennon also highlights solo tunes by Ringo Starr and George Harrison.
Chaz and Nicki are a dynamic duo act that teamed up to create an upbeat live acoustic show that mixes feel-good classic covers with harmony-rich originals. Singer and guitarist Chaz Mechenbier has been performing locally, nationally and internationally for decades with well-known acts such as Jerry Reed, Ronnie Milsap, and Phil Dirt and the Dozers. Singer Nicki Baker is a third-generation musician from Columbus who grew up on a tour bus singing southern gospel with her family.
At 7 p.m., the Music of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers takes over with a stage show dedicated to Tom Petty. For over 40 years, the Rock and Roll Hall-of-Famer and Grammy Award winner created classics such as "American Girl,” "Don't Do Me Like That," "Refugee," "The Waiting," and "Learning to Fly" with the Heartbreakers, and "I Won't Back Down," "Free Fallin,'” and "You Don't Know How It Feels" as a solo artist. Upon the death of Petty in 2017, the band Tom the Torpedoes was born. The Torpedoes have the ingredients to nail that vintage and signature Tom Petty sound.
Volunteers will help park attendees upon arrival. The majority of parking will be available at The Lakes, entering from Madison Avenue; near the Clock House off of Pittsburg Avenue; and in the parking area off of Harcourt Road. A limited number of handicapped spaces will be available on a first-come, first-served basis in the Schnormeier Event Center lot. Please note that there is no parking on the grass but in designated areas only. Please visit the website at arielfoundationpark.org for all street closures, one-way routes, and other limitations.
Additional parking areas within walking distance of the Park include downtown lots and downtown street parking, the CA&C Depot on South Main Street, and Memorial Park. Attendees can use the bike trail to walk into the park and are advised to use the “Riverwalk” under the viaduct bridge for faster “no wait” exiting.
Super Q 93.7 FM will broadcast live at 6 p.m.; Super Q 93.7 FM will simulcast the music to the fireworks display. Eventgoers inside the Schnormeier Event Center can bring their own chairs or use the park’s, while eventgoers sitting on the lawn or terraces should bring their own seating. This event is free for all attendees, and no seating or tables will be available for purchase. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis, and the Schnormeier Event Center will be open to the public beginning at 5 p.m.
Food service will also begin at 5 p.m. and food vendors will be stationed across from the Urton Clock House and directly in front of the Schnormeier Event Center. Beer, wine, and liquor will also be available within the Schnormeier Event Center. Only alcohol purchased on-site is allowed in the Event Center and alcohol may not be taken outside the Center’s fenced area. Smoking and pets are also prohibited inside the Event Center.
Those interested in spending the day on the water or watching the fireworks on The Lakes side of the park are encouraged to bring kayaks and canoes, outfitted with appropriate life jackets. Swimming is prohibited. Park visitors may climb Rastin Observation Tower until 8 p.m. Please note that the Urton Clock House will be closed to the public.
In order to secure the area for the fireworks presentation, the road through The Woods will be closed beginning at 4 p.m. The main park road in front of the Event Center will also be closed at 4 p.m. allowing pedestrian and accessible parking traffic only. Pittsburgh Avenue will be closed from the Clock House parking lot to Seventh Avenue starting at 2 p.m. (residential traffic only.) The Lakes area gate at Madison will be closed at 10 p.m. Columbus Road will be closed to southbound traffic at 9:30 p.m. and will not reopen until the park clears after the fireworks.
Suggested alternative locations from which to view the fireworks include Arch Park, the Harcourt Road parking area for Ariel-Foundation Park, CA&C Depot, or Memorial Park.
The Ariel-Foundation Park July 4 Celebration is sponsored by Ariel Corporation, Knox Community Hospital, Park National Bank, and Gordy and Fran Yance.
For more information about July 4 activities, including an activity and parking map, please visit arielfoundationpark.org.
