Port Clinton Firefighter/Medic Kevin Pelequin stands ready to help during Port Clinton’s fireworks on July 4. (Photo by Port Clinton Mayor Mike Snider)

BY SHERI TRUSTY

PORT CLINTON – It could arguably be said that no one celebrates America better than Port Clinton. Each Independence Day, the city hosts Red, White & Vroom, a full day of activities that offer fun for everyone. This July 4 was no different.

The day kicked off with the Star Spangled Squirt Gun 5K, which was followed by the Firecracker Cuties and Royalty Contest. A food truck feast offered everything from perch to ribs, and everyone was invited to enjoy free dessert served by the Ottawa County Commissioners at the Ice Cream Social sponsored by Ottawa County Senior Resources and Crosser-Priesman Funeral Homes.

The annual Classic Car, Truck & Cycle Show drew about 100 entries, and Trinity United Methodist Church was packed with people who came to hear the evening Voices of Freedom Community Choir Concert led by Director D. Gregory Fox. The evening ended with a Family Dance Party and fireworks at Waterworks Park.

Offering a day of fun for all ages has always been the goal, said Port Clinton Mayor Mike Snider. Snider talked about a letter that President John Adams wrote to his wife, Abigail Adams, on July 2, 1776, after signing the Declaration of Independence. America celebrates on July 4 to commemorate the day it was adopted by the Continental Congress. Adams predicted the annual celebrations that would be held across the nation for generations.

The letter said:

“I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.”

Snider said those words have become a mantra for the city’s Independence Day committee. Each year, they strive to create an event that reflects Adams’ vision of a celebration worthy of the Founding Fathers’ efforts to create a new, self-governing country.

Snider said the committee had a lot of help this year. Downtown restaurants participated in Burgers for Booms this spring. McCarthy’s Irish Pub, Brick House, Ala Carte Cafe, Ala Carte After Hours, and Wolfie’s Bierhaus donated a dollar to the fireworks fund for every burger sold on select days.

“The Port Clinton Eagles generously donated $10,000 to the cause,” Snider said. “I’ve been doing this for 20 years, and we’ve always been very fortunate.”

And so have the thousands of people who pour into Port Clinton each Independence Day to celebrate America like it’s 1776.