Mayor: Americana Festival promises to be best yet
The 2022 Americana Festival will return on Monday, July 4! This year brings a series of improvements that will allow continued growth of the festival and make it an even better experience for guests of all ages.
On Sunday at 7 p.m., join us at Stubbs Park for a tribute to Americana with the Centerville Community Band. Director Tom Pfrogner leads the band with a cannon performance by Fifth Light Artillery.
The fireworks show begins at 10 p.m. on Sunday at Centerville
High School and will be expanded this year to feature a longer show. Gates open at 6 p.m. Before the show, come party with Dayton’s favorite ’80s band Stranger at 8:15 p.m., along with more than twice the food trucks we have had at the show before.
The Americana Festival Committee has announced an improved route for the parade. Dozens of parade entries — which include marching bands, floats, elected leaders, performers and more — will begin as usual at Centerville High School and travel west on Franklin Street. Instead of crossing the intersection with Main Street, now the parade will make a left turn and travel south on Main Street in Uptown.
Because of the festival’s growth, the grounds will expand to include West Franklin Street. This new area accommodates future festival growth and gives Uptown businesses an opportunity to engage in the festival and parade. For the first time, volunteers will also sell beer at two points throughout the festival: Benham’s Grove and West Franklin Street.
It is fitting that we honor Tom Henderson as grand marshal for 2022.
His years as a teacher, principal and then superintendent of Centerville City Schools have left our community a better place for all. Thank you, Tom, from a grateful community.
The 12 months since Americana 2021 has seen exciting developments throughout Centerville. In Uptown Centerville, new businesses, entertainment, restaurants and a comprehensive plan for revitalization is moving forward successfully. Cornerstone Park is seeing daily advancements toward completion in 2022. An expansive improvement plan for Stubbs Park in is the works. Benham’s Grove has received endorsement for renovation plans through the state capital budget, and Yankee Trace is taking strategic steps to improve all aspects of its operation with expansion plans being finalized.
As Americans, we celebrate our founding principles and hope to keep that spirit alive as we recognize all that our country has accomplished in 246 years. No other country can even come close to what America has done for freedom and individual liberties and rights, not just in our country but around the world. As we celebrate July 4, let our citizens build upon what we have done right these past 246 years. Our founding fathers gave us the tools to do so, and they would expect nothing less from us today.
On behalf of my fellow council members and city staff, we look forward to seeing you in Centerville this Americana. Have a great July 4th celebration.
God Bless America.