Eagles auxiliary bringing fireworks celebration back to Carroll fairgrounds July 2

The Fraternal Order of Eagles Ladies Auxiliary 2185 will bring fireworks, music, food trucks and family activities back to the Carroll County Fairgrounds July 2 as the organization continues a community tradition that has grown steadily in recent years.

Gates open at 5 p.m. at Carroll County Fairgrounds, 160 Kensington Rd. NE, Carrollton, with the fireworks display scheduled for dusk.

The event will also include children’s activities, a car show, vendors, food trucks and a beer garden. Music throughout the evening will be provided by DJ Tyree, while Rylee Champion will perform the national anthem.

Miranda DaRe, trustee for the Carrollton Fraternal Order of Eagles Ladies Auxiliary 2185, said the organization restarted the fireworks event after a pause during the COVID-19 pandemic and has continued expanding it each year.

“We did it right before COVID, then COVID hit, so we took a three-year hiatus,” DaRe said. “This is our fourth year overall.”

DaRe said the event remains important because of the organization’s desire to give back to the community while continuing a tradition many residents missed during the years it was absent.

“We really just love giving back to the community, and it really bummed everyone out when we didn’t have it for those few years,” DaRe said. “It is a lot of work, but we want to be able to do something nice for the community and keep the tradition going.”

She said organizers hope this year’s event will be the biggest yet as the country celebrates America’s 250th anniversary.

“This year’s the 250th, so we want to do our biggest, best fireworks show yet,” DaRe said.

The fireworks event is organized primarily by members of the Eagles Ladies Auxiliary, with help from the Eagles members, volunteers, sponsors and community donors. DaRe said the organization currently has around 130 members, though only about a dozen core volunteers help organize the annual show.

“The Eagles Aerie 2185 are once again hosting the Beer Garden this year,” DaRe said.

DaRe said community support is essential because the fireworks display and event operations cost tens of thousands of dollars annually.

“The fireworks alone are about $40,000, and that’s not counting what we have to pay for the beer garden or the kids activities,” DaRe said. “All in, we’re probably going to be closer to almost $50,000 this year.”

American Fireworks of Hudson provides the fireworks display and has worked with organizers for several years. DaRe said the company has allowed the organization to make payments over time while the auxiliary continues fundraising efforts.

Funding comes largely through donations from local businesses, organizations, family members and residents throughout Carroll County.

“We can’t make this happen without the community,” DaRe said.

She said organizers are still accepting donations to help offset costs. Donations can be mailed to Carrollton Eagles Post #2185, Attention Ladies Auxiliary, P.O. Box 425, Carrollton, OH 44615, or dropped off directly at the Eagles club.

“We know many in the community would love to see the Fourth of July celebration held on the actual Fourth of July, and someday we hope to make that happen,” DaRe said. “Fortunately, we will not see the Fourth fall on a Saturday again for the next 10 years, which gives us some time and flexibility to work toward moving the celebration back up in the future.”

In addition to the fireworks display, the event will feature a car show, vendors beneath the grandstand and a large children’s activity area with inflatable attractions.

DaRe said one of the biggest reasons families continue attending is the atmosphere created throughout the evening.

“One of the things I hear all the time is that it feels like one of those old-school block parties,” DaRe said. “It’s great for the community to come together, see each other, have family fun and celebrate America.”

The fireworks show typically lasts between 30-45 minutes and begins around 10 p.m.

DaRe said planning for the next year’s event usually begins almost immediately after cleanup concludes.

“We try to take a month off, but that’s impossible,” DaRe said. “It’s definitely the biggest thing we do, and it’s very near and dear to our hearts.”

For now, organizers are focused on creating another memorable summer celebration for Carroll County families.

“All we want is for people to come out, have fun and enjoy the evening together,” DaRe said.