Community Comes Together to Save the 4th Of July Gahanna Freedom Festival and Fireworks

Like most communities, Gahanna had to make some tough budget decisions. In 2011, City of Gahanna’s funding for the 2011 Fourth of July Freedom Festival and fireworks had been eliminated but the Gahanna Parks & Recreation Foundation took on the challenge of Saving the Freedom Festival though individual and corporate donations.  Their grassroots efforts of outreach and soliciting online donations through their Facebook Page (www.Facebook.com/SaveTheFreedomFestival) yielded enough money to fund the fireworks.   Local organizations and businesses, such as Gahanna’s own Heartland Bank, CD 101, Donatos, the Gahanna Rotary, Eckl Parking and many others offered their support for a full day of events and a fireworks display the community will certainly enjoy.

These donations, combined with the generous donations of individuals and other organizations, means enough money was raised to fund the FREEDOM FESTIVAL and fireworks show at the Gahanna Municipal Golf Course (220 Olde Ridenour Road) for July 4^th, 2011. 

“Heartland has been fortunate to have navigated the financial waters successfully and simply wanted to give back to the residents of Gahanna.  The Parks Foundation and community were in jeopardy of losing one of the best community events of the year and we were not going to let that happen.  This is what community banks do.  Best of all, we also get to show our appreciation for our active Military by supporting the USO,” stated G. Scott McComb, Heartland Bank President and CEO.

“Our city did not want to lose this wonderful community event”, said Lee Tucker, chairman of the Parks and Recreation Foundation.    “It’s too important an event; it’s part of our identity as a city and a country and it’s become a tradition.  The community really stepped up through small and large donations.  Every dollar made a difference.” 

A new aspect to this year’s Freedom Festival will be that CD 101 on 102.5 FM will provide the soundtrack to the fireworks which will also be simulcast on their station.  The soundtrack will be heard throughout the golf course and on fireworks viewers’ radio. “Because of CD 101’s generous donation of their resources and talent, this year’s fireworks will be even better,” said Brian Hoyt, Public Information Manager for the City of Gahanna. “The synchronized soundtrack will only add to the experience and is sure to make this a fireworks show to remember!”

The Gahanna Parks & Recreation Foundation raised money through individual donations as well as larger, partner donations.  Some of the largest donors include the title sponsor Heartland Bank, an anonymous donor, Stripes Partners Superior Beverage Group and the Gahanna Rotary Club, ‘Patriot Sponsors’ Kemba Financial Credit Union, Eckl Parking, The Gahanna YMCA, Sunrise Masonic Lodge #783 and Buckeye Power Sales..

“This is another example of what makes Gahanna such a special community,” said Mayor Becky Stinchcomb. “I am proud of the Foundation’s efforts to bring everyone together and to honor our men and women in uniform. Community, service and tradition is what the Fourth of July is all about”

This year’s event will benefit the USO, who will help Gahanna honor those serving in the Armed forces.

The USO of Central & Southern Ohio helps lift the spirits of Ohio's service men and women and their families. A nonprofit, congressionally chartered, private organization, the USO relies on the generosity of individuals, organizations and corporations to support its activities. The USO provides a tangible way for all of us to say thank you, as it has for 70 years.  The USO is not part of the U.S. government, and funds that are generated locally are used locally to help those who sacrifice so much every day.

Activities and games are being provided by the Gahanna YMCA.

“What makes this so special is that we are going from no event to having one of the greatest events that Gahanna has ever had in honor of our soldiers and a true American Tradition, the USO,” said Tony Collins, Director of Gahanna Department of Parks & Recreation.  “All of this is thanks to the citizens of Gahanna, the Gahanna Parks & Recreation Foundation and great community partners like Heartland Bank.”

Residents and visitors are encouraged to visit the Freedom Festival Page for up to date information and a schedule of events for the The Gahanna Parks & Recreation Foundation Freedom Festival Presented By Heartland Bank Benefiting the USO.