Ashtabula County invites the community to celebrate America’s 250th birthday in true local style at the America 250 – Ashtabula County 4th of July Festival in Jefferson, Ohio.
This once-in-a-lifetime countywide celebration will honor 250 years of American history while highlighting the people, places, stories, and traditions that make Ashtabula County special. Guests can enjoy a full day of history, live entertainment, family activities, food, local makers, historic sites, and patriotic celebration throughout Jefferson.
The day begins with the Grand Parade of History, stepping off at 12:00 p.m. The parade will feature community groups, marching bands, veterans, local organizations, historic entries, floats, and more as Ashtabula County comes together to celebrate America’s Semiquincentennial.
Following the parade, guests are invited to gather at Giddings Park, which will serve as the festival’s Liberty Picnic Grounds, for the Opening Ceremony, live entertainment, food trucks, picnic areas, family-friendly activities, and the Wine and Beer Garden.
Festival highlights include:
Grand Parade of History
A patriotic community parade celebrating Ashtabula County’s history, service, organizations, and hometown spirit.
Opening Ceremony at Giddings Park
A special gathering at the Covered Bridge Pavilion to officially open the celebration and honor this historic milestone.
Live Entertainment Throughout the Day
Enjoy nearly 20 local and regional performers, with everything from string quartets, choirs, dance groups, brass ensembles, patriotic performances, family entertainment, and newer contemporary local bands to special appearances by Broadway stage performer E. Mani Cadet and historical portrayals of Ella Fitzgerald and Lucy Stanton Day by Women in History.
Free Family Americana Arcade
A fun-filled area for children and families featuring games, contests, crafts, activities, and old-fashioned summer fun.
Artisan Market
Shop handmade goods and unique items from talented local and regional makers.
Liberty Picnic Grounds at Giddings Park
Enjoy food trucks, live music, entertainment, picnic areas, and a Wine and Beer Garden featuring regional favorites, including Maple Ridge Vineyard, The Winery at Spring Hill, Ferrante Winery, Day Dream Farm Winery, Cloven Hoof Brewing, and Darkroom Brewing.
Walk of Time
Step into Ashtabula County’s past through historical exhibits, heritage organizations, living history displays, and interactive experiences that share the stories, people, and moments that helped shape our county.
Historic Sites & Tours
Visit local historic landmarks and attractions, including the Joshua Giddings Law Office, Historic Jefferson Depot Village, Jefferson Milling Co. tours, and wagon rides from Whispery Pines Carriage Rides.
Town Ball Exhibition Game
Children ages 8–14 can take part in a participatory Town Ball Exhibition Game, bringing an early American pastime to life.
Fireworks Finale
The celebration will conclude with a fireworks display lighting up the Jefferson sky.
Join us for a full day of history, community pride, entertainment, food, family activities, and patriotic celebration as Ashtabula County comes together to mark America’s 250th birthday — a birthday party 250 years in the making.