By MARK TODD - Staff Writer - mtodd@starbeacon.com
Wet, gloomy weather this week have Ashtabula County residents itching to enjoy a fun-filled July 4 weekend.
Fireworks tonight and Sunday will brighten the night skies, while a festival in Conneaut will dish out food, music and games.
Here’s a look at some of the local holiday happenings:
FIREWORKS
Fourth of July means fireworks, and three shows in eight days should satisfy the biggest fan of pyrotechnics. The lineup includes:
n Today — 10 p.m. at Geneva-on-the-Lake’s municipal golf course on Golf Avenue
n Sunday — 10:15 p.m. at Conneaut Township Park on Lake Road. Vantage points are available along the shoreline.
n July 11 — 9:45 p.m. at Ashtabula’s Walnut Beach
CHUGGIN’ ALONG
For daytime fun, the Ashtabula County Antique Engine Club is in the middle of its three-day “Big Show” at the club’s headquarters, 4026 Route 322, Wayne Township. Working demonstrations of vintage engines, as well as food, crafts and a flea market, are featured. The show continues through Sunday.
OLD-FASHIONED
FESTIVAL
Conneaut’s Fourth of July Festival has been a holiday tradition for years at Lakeview Park. The four-day event began Thursday and concludes Sunday night.
Today’s schedule features a 4 p.m. parade that begins at Conneaut High School and winds its way along Jackson, Broad and Erie streets to the carnival midway.
Tonight sees the third round of the “Conneaut Idol” competition at the festival stage, beginning at 7 p.m. Judges will crown a new “Idol” after Sunday’s 8 p.m. finals.
Two bands will entertain festival crowds tonight and Sunday night. “Kingpins” will play at 8 p.m. today, while “Witz End” will crank out tunes at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. Sunday.
BENEFIT CONCERT
Three other bands will perform in Conneaut tonight for a good cause. The Conneaut Boys will headline a special concert in memory of member Bob Bartone, who was killed in a motorcycle accident last year.
Also on the bill are “Smokin’ Whiskey” and “Qiana.” The show will be held at the Conneaut Human Resources Center, 327 Mill St. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the music starts at 7:30 p.m.
A $10 donation will be accepted at the door, and proceeds benefit two Conneaut programs, the Food Pantry and the Right Track after-school program. Patrons may bring their favorite beverage.
