Central Ohio Technical College (COTC), The Ohio State University at Newark, the Gilbert Reese Family Foundation, and the community will host the 25th anniversary Independence Day Concert and Fireworks celebration.
According to a press release, the event will be held on Thursday, July 3, from 5 to 11 p.m. on the Newark shared campus. It includes over 15 food trucks and vendors, a performance by the Licking County 4-H Band at 5:30 p.m., live music by The Sticks and Stones at 6:30 and 10:30 p.m., and the Newark Granville Symphony Orchestra at 8 p.m., followed by an extended fireworks display at 10 p.m. in honor of the event’s 25th year. Admission and parking are free.
Lawn chairs and blankets are welcome; however, pets, alcohol, tobacco, grills, drones, and personal fireworks are prohibited. Reserving space before 10 a.m. on July 3 is not allowed, with early items subject to removal. The event is sponsored by the City of Newark, Licking Memorial Health Systems, Newark Rotary Club Foundation, Park National Bank, The Energy Cooperative, and Wilson, Shannon & Snow.
Central Ohio Technical College (COTC) is a state-assisted institution offering various academic programs such as bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, and certificates. Established in 1971 and chartered by the Ohio Board of Regents, COTC has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1975. It serves Licking, Knox, and Coshocton counties through four campuses and online courses.
The Ohio State University at Newark is a regional campus located east of Columbus that provides an affordable path to an Ohio State education for Ohio residents. Founded in 1957 on over 200 acres with significant investment in its facilities since 2017 amounting to over $75 million. As of autumn 2024 data from its website shows that it enrolls approximately 2,544 students including first-year students where a notable percentage identify as first-generation or racial or ethnic minorities.
