Celebrating the Fourth of July

The village of Flat Rock is gearing up for its annual lawn social and parade in honor of July 4th.The social will be held in the shelter house behind Ebenezer United Methodist Church and go from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., while the parade will step off at 3 p.m. Both events are open to the public.The social will serve hot dogs, sloppy Joes, hot turkey, Coney dogs, baked beans, fresh fruit, dessert and beverages for minimal cost. Starting at 2 p.m., root beer floats and cold beverages will be available at the front of the church.Those interested in the parade should line-up at County Road 34 on the north side of town at 2:30 p.m., while those wanting to watch should bring a chair to sit in the boulevard.Alice Adams, the social's organizer, believes the parade began 40 years ago."It started with kids decorating their bicycles," she said. "Now people come with their antique cars and tractors to have in the parade."In addition, church bells will ring at 2 p.m., a tradition that began during President Kennedy's administration on July 4, 1963. The bells will ring 13 times—one time for each of the original 13 colonies.Jim Andrews will display his artwork in front of the church all day, and old, tattered flags will be collected at the church or the Old General Store.Overall, the community of Flat Rock savors the yearly celebration."It's a lot of fun for a small community," she said. "It brings the community together." Want to go? What: Ebenezer Methodist Church lawn social and Flat Rock ParadeWhen: Friday, July 4th 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Parade line-up at 2:30 p.m., step off at 3 p.m.Where: 7500 N County Road 29 Flat Rock, OH 44828More: All food at the lawn social will be available for less than three dollars. If anyone wants to be in the parade, contact Kim Root at 419-217-7579.