From BOWLING GREEN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
To celebrate Independence Day, the city of Bowling Green, Bowling Green Chamber of Commerce (BGCC), Visit BG Ohio (VBGO), Northwestern Ohio Tractor Pullers Association (NWOTPA), and the Wood County Agricultural Society (WCAS) announce the return of the BG BOOM Festival and Fireworks, scheduled for Friday, July 3. The event is made possible by the support of sponsors including Bates Recycling, Belleville Brothers Meats, Ohio Logistics, VFW Post 1148, Meta, and Walmart.
The fireworks display, which will begin at dusk, will be launched in a secure area within the NWOTPA property, which provides for viewing from all around the fairgrounds area, as well as within the surrounding neighborhoods.
The BGCC is seeking community support to help fund the event through sponsorships, donations, and fundraisers. Sponsorship registration forms and donation forms are available on the BGCC website at www.bgchamber.net/bg-boom/ or by calling the BGCC office at 419-353-7945. Fundraisers, including the Bates Recycling aluminum can drive, are currently underway, with more information at www.bgchamber.net/bg-boom-can-drive/.
With the support of VBGO, the BG BOOM Festival will also return for a fun-filled afternoon prior to the fireworks display. The festival, which will run from 4 – 9 p.m., will include inflatables and interactive games. It will be free for everyone in the community to attend. Additional performers this year are Lake Plains Barbershop Chorus on the stage in “The Grove” at 6 p.m. and Blake Bailey Productions, sponsored by VFW Post 1148.
The WCAS has planned for multiple food trucks to be on-site and open from 4 – 11 p.m., or until their food supplies run out. The food truck lineup includes Big Daddy Sausage and More, Blue Collar BBQ, Manny’s Munchies, Simply D’lish, The Rolling Lemon, The Tamale Guy, Uncle Louie’s Food Truck, Franks Fries, Poppin George’s Kettle Corn, Icy Paw, Northcoast Deli & Mr. Melon 2, KK’s Rolling Beverage Company, Off the Rails Food Trolley, Puckers’ Fresh Lemonade, K&M Roasted Corn, and The Tucker Truck.
Local BGCC member organizations will be hosting activities for the children in attendance, including cupcakes with the BG Community Foundation. There will be games and giveaways from Western & Southern Life, Wood County Prosecutor’s Office, BG US Army Recruiting Center, and The Cocoon. Other participating organizations include Children’s Resource Center, Wood County ADAMHS, Wood County Hospital, Walmart, Meijer, and All Pro Mobile Oil Change.
As dusk falls, the attention will shift to the fireworks show, performed by Rozzi Fireworks. Due to the support of the city of Bowling Green, this year’s fireworks display will once again be an almost 30-minute show.
It is recommended for those planning to watch the fireworks to park in the east and north parking lots of the fairgrounds off Brim Road. People can enter these lots through Gate E, which is off Brim Road and across from Christopher Drive. This parking area will provide an unobstructed view for the fireworks.
Additional parking will be available in the lot across from the fairgrounds on Poe Road. This parking area is good for those going to the festival but does have trees that obstruct the view of the fireworks.
The WCAS will be hosting family-friendly camping Tuesday through Sunday, featuring campsites under the fireworks. Anyone interested in camping can reserve a spot by calling the fair office at 419-352-0441 or by going online to https://www.woodcounty-fair.com/specialty-camping.
No unauthorized persons will be allowed in any area that is marked with caution tape around the cement barricades. Organizers appreciate everyone being aware of these areas so that a safe and organized experience can be provided. The Wood County Sheriff’s Office will be present within the fairground parking area to assist in enforcing these precautions. In case of emergency, through the support of Wood County Hospital, a first aid tent will be situated near the main entrance of the fairgrounds.
All outside pyrotechnics – fireworks -including novelty items, such as sparklers, poppers, and smoke bombs are banned on fairground property, including all parking areas. Golf carts are also not permitted on the grounds for this event, except for those being used by the organizers.
A rain date for the fireworks is scheduled for July 5. Festival activities will not be rescheduled to the rain date. People are encouraged to look for this information on the BGCC website and social media.
The BGCC would like to express gratitude to all the sponsors and donors who made this event possible. For a full list of sponsors and donors, visit bgchamber.net/annual.
