Chillicothe Prepares for July 4th Celebration

Article presented by Tomlinson Insurance Agency …

Chillicothe and Ross County residents and visitors are invited to celebrate America’s independence
and 250th birthday on Saturday, July 4th, 2026, with a full evening of family-friendly activities in and
around Yoctangee Park.

In a news release from Mayor Luke Feeney’s Office, Independence Day will be chock full of activities for family fun.

Fireworks:

The City’s annual Independence Day fireworks show is scheduled to begin at 9:45 PM. Spectators are
encouraged to arrive early, choose their preferred viewing location, and be in place by 9:15 PM.
Fireworks will be launched from the Yoctangee Park Annex, in the same location as previous years and
will occur rain or shine. Mayor Feeney and Chillicothe Rotary’s Bill Knoles will visit #LitterMediaLIVE at 10am on June 30th to share additional details about the fireworks display which has had a budget increase over last year’s big show.

Poll Party:

The annual Independence Day Pool Party will be held at the Donald M. Smith Memorial Pool. The event
will take place from 7:00 PM. to 10:00 PM and includes swimming, food, and music. Admission is $15
per person, while children ages 2 and under are free. Tickets can be purchased through the Chillicothe
Parks and Recreation Department, located on the first floor of the City Administration Building at 35
South Paint Street. For more information, contact the Parks and Recreation Department at
740.772.5626 or ParksandRecreation@ChillicotheOH.gov.

Trolley Rides

The Chillicothe Trolley will be operating a “Downtown Route” on Saturday, July 4th, from 12:00 PM to
8:00 PM. Additional information can be found by visiting ChillicotheOH.gov or by calling 740.773.1569.

Traffic:

Due to ongoing construction and increased traffic, Yoctangee Park motorists should expect temporary
traffic adjustments and allow additional travel time. When the fireworks begin at 9:45 PM, all park
entrances will close so that park traffic can exit. Vehicles inside the park will be directed to exit via
Mulberry Street, Back Road, or Paint Street. A Yoctangee Park exit traffic-routing map is provided
BELOW to assist motorists exiting the park following the conclusion of the fireworks display. Police will
be directing traffic and enforcing “no parking” areas.
For additional information, contact the Safety Service Department at 740.773.2700 or
Service@ChillicotheOH.gov.