It’s no secret that Upper Arlington knows how to put on an incredible Independence Day celebration, thanks to the dedication and hard work of the all-volunteer UA Civic Association (UACA). With this year’s theme – Stars Stripes and Trailblazers and featuring U.S. Army Veteran Mr. John Bergmann as the 2022 Parade Grand Marshal (you can find Mr. Bergmann’s fascinating story on the UA History Trail) – the community’s Fourth of July traditions are not to be missed. Read on for an overview of the day’s activities, along with several logistics and programming updates.

Parade The parade begins at 9 am, heading south on Northwest Boulevard from Kingsdale down to North Star Road.

NEW – Inclusive Zone UACA has added an area in front of Holy Trinity Church toward the end of the parade route that is available for community members with mobility and sensory issues. The space will include a covered tent and access to parking for individuals with mobility issues. This space will also provide a quieter version of the parade, with participants asked to reduce the volume of their music and other noises by at least 50 percent as they pass by. This Inclusive Zone is spearheaded by the Red Oak Family Foundation. [//redoakfamily.org/]

NEW – Parade Traffic & Safety Restrictions The Police Division is implementing some new parade route traffic and safety adjustments, placing non-movable barricades or City vehicles at the streets intersecting Northwest Boulevard. As a result, local traffic will not be able to cross or use Northwest per the following schedule: • 6:30-7 am – all streets between Zollinger Road and Lane Avenue will be closed at Northwest Boulevard. • 7-7:30 am – all streets between Lane Avenue and North Star Road will be closed at Northwest Boulevard. • Lane Avenue will remain open to traffic until 8:30 am. • All streets are expected to be reopened to traffic by approximately 1 pm.

Party in the Park Doors open for Party in the Park at 5 pm at Northam Park, featuring The Conspiracy Band and culminating in an exciting display of fireworks at approximately 10 pm.

NEW – Park Layout Changes (see map) Following recent stormwater improvements in Northam Park, a portion of the turf has been reseeded and is currently fenced off while the new grass can become established. As a result, the layout for Party in the Park has been adjusted, shifting the reserved table area closer to the Tremont Library. In order to provide enough space for everyone who typically attends Party in the Park and the fireworks, a portion of the Tremont Road Parking Lot will be reserved for the general public, in addition to the southeast corner of the park (next to St Agatha). Our apologies in advance for any inconvenience this may cause.

Additionally, another portion of the park is fenced off for a gas line replacement project by Columbia Gas. This area is on the south end of the park adjacent to Northam Road and the Wexford Road intersection.

NEW – Golf Cart Restrictions A heads up that golf carts will not be permitted to operate on Northam Road between Tremont Road and Andover Road between 4-11 pm, with the exception of public safety and authorized permits (UACA members working the event). General Public parking for golf carts will be available on Dorset Road between Redding and Tremont Road. Residents may use the south entrance of the UA Library as a drop-off location.

Gratitude Planning and staging events like these is no small feat and it all happens thanks to the volunteer efforts of UA Civic Association. This year’s coordinators are: • Event Chairs Sam and Sandi Porter • Parade Chairs Michelle and Steve Gdovin • Float Chairs Susie and George Pattison • Judging Chairs Katie and Andrew Widing • Fireworks coordinator Bill Hall • UACA President Nichole Montgomery

When these “Fourth of July” teams first take on the role of Judging Chairs, they are committing to a four-year cycle of increasing responsibilities, ending as Chairs for the entire day. UA is fortunate to have residents willing to undertake the planning and logistics involved in enriching our community in this way.

We also have City employees who are indispensable in the day’s events: • Police Division—security, traffic • Fire Division—safety, fireworks, first aid • Parks & Forestry—assistance with event setup and breakdown • Public Works—placement of barricades, banners and signage • Electrical—power and lighting assistance • Community Affairs—event liaison

As you enjoy what will certainly be a fantastic celebration, please give our City workers and UACA volunteers a word of thanks.

Address: 3600 Tremont Rd. Upper Arlington OH 43221