After the Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence in 1776, John Adams wrote to his wife, Abigail, with a prediction on how the day would be celebrated in years to come:

“It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shews (shows), games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other from this time forward forevermore.” 

These days Roman candles and firecrackers take the place of the bonfires and illuminations, Adams was talking about. With the Fourth of July just nine days away, fireworks are to be expected, but safety officials, as always, urge caution in our celebrations of independence.

When it comes to fireworks, it is always better to watch them rather than set them off yourselves. If not properly trained, a person can cause themselves a lot of harm and potentially set something on fire. 

Under Ohio law, the only types of fireworks legal for individuals to have and set off are:

• Sparklers
• Snaps
• Snakes
• Smoke devices
• Novelty items

For larger displays, the Oxford Fire Department recommends that citizens leave the fireworks to the professionals. Fire Captain Chris Johns said although they do not get many calls about fireworks incidents gone wrong, they do still get them from time to time. 

Johns gave tips for firework safety such as: “Always leave this to the professionals, keep out of reach of children and stay away from houses, buildings and dry areas.”

“The State of Ohio and the Fire Marshal’s office require someone from the fire department to be at firework shows from the time they set up until the show is done,” said Johns. 

If you are out at the Oxford Firework Show at Oxford Community Park from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday, July 3, Johns invites you to stop and say hi to the firefighter on duty.  

“We will have our brush truck on-site in case any spot fires occur,” he said. “Last year we had to cancel due to COVID-19, so we are glad to have it again this year.”

Several public fireworks displays celebrating Independence Day are scheduled to be fired off around Oxford, including: 

July 2

New Madison Fourth of July Celebration, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., 315 S. Main St., New Madison

July 3

The Oxford Freedom Festival, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., at Oxford Community Park, 6801 Fairfield Road.

College Corner Community Club is offering a celebration with a parade during the day and fireworks after dark at Stateline Ballpark in College Corner. 

July 4

Stricker’s Grove, 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. 11490 Hamilton Cleves Road, near Ross, Ohio celebrates with rides, games and fireworks after dark. 

Harrison, Ohio, has a 4 p.m. parade with games, food, and fireworks at celebration and fireworks, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., at the Harrison Community Center, 300 George St.

July 5

Thunder Monday, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., at Hueston Woods State Park, features a cookout, DJ, and fireworks.