Celebrate with a bang on July 4th

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SIDNEY — As the long days of summer march toward the fourth of July, it is time to think about the celebration of the country’s birth. Each year Sidney helps people in the area to celebrate this all-important birthday.

“We are looking forward to our 12th year of providing some extra Fourth of July fun to local residents,” said Deb Kaufman, Connection Point Church of God Relay For Life event chair. “Each year we try to add more activities for families to enjoy before the fireworks. Twelve years ago, hoping to fill that need while raising funds for the American Cancer Society’s local programs and research, we tried our first Ice Cream Social and had great success. That success continues 12 years later.”

The ice cream social will be held behind Sidney High School from 6 to 10 p.m. on July 4. Its location, between the tennis courts, Sidney Middle School, and the fairgrounds race track, gives a direct view of the fireworks.

In addition to the frozen custard from Culvers, hot dogs, hamburgers, pie, cookies, and brownies will be available for purchase. Water and a variety of soft drinks will be available to complete your meal.

Games and a Jumpy will be available for the children. Glow necklaces will also be for sale. Proceeds from all sales during the festival will go to the American Cancer Society Relay for Life of Shelby County.

The Tippecanoe Canal Jumpers Vintage Baseball team invites spectators to enjoy the game against the Sidney Rivermen, a team made up of local players. The game, which features rules, dress, and language of the 1860s, will take place at 7 p.m. in the area between the high school and middle school.

A Family Affair Relay Team will host a car show at 6 p.m. behind the high school. Registration will be held at 5 p.m.

Those who enjoy karaoke will have the chance to entertain throughout the festival, and favorites from the 50s, 60s, 70s, and beyond will be played all evening. Patriotic music will play during the fireworks display, which is scheduled to begin around 10 p.m.

The Relay team would like to thank Sidney City Schools, The Spot Restaurant, Culver’s Restaurant and Garden of Eden Lawn Care, as well as other local businesses who have donated supplies or support toward the Relay for Life fundraiser.

People should bring their blankets and lawn chairs early to stake out their spots and enjoy the festivities.

“Come out early, claim your spot, have some fun, and eat!” said Kaufmann.

The traditional fireworks display will be held at 980 Fair Road (Sidney Middle School). The city of Sidney, one of the sponsors, provides in-kind services for this event by way of site inspection, fire protection during the exhibit, traffic control and help provide for the safety and welfare of the residents, before, during and after the event. The fireworks exhibit is scheduled to being at 10 p.m. In the event of rain, the fireworks will be held on July 5 at the same time and location.

Sponsors for the fireworks include American Legion Post 217, Wilson Health, Emerson Climate Technologies, Buckeye Ford, NK Telco, S&S Hospitality Management and Realty 2000.

In case of inclement weather, listen to TAM 105.5 for information.

For more information on the Relay for Life event, contact Kaufman at 937-497-1353.

By Paula Frew

The writer is a regular contributor to the Sidney Daily News.

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