Paulding, OH: Times are uncertain, but with social distancing and hand sanitizer, the show must go on! CoRP (Community Revitalizing Paulding) are moving forward in planning the John Paulding Summer Blast on Friday, July 17th! The parade will start at 6:30 PM and parade line-up will begin at 4:00 PM. This year’s theme of the parade is ‘bicentennial’. Decorate your float to honor our county’s 200 years! To register for the parade, visit the Paulding Chamber website at www.pauldingchamber.com.
Once the parade has ended the fun continues downtown with lots of inflatables and fun games at Kiwanis’ Kids Zone. These aren’t just bounce houses, these inflatables are sure to be a fun time for kids of all ages! Near Kiwanis Kids Zone will be Touch-a-Truck featuring 5+ different pieces of equipment to explore including a firetruck, EMS truck, tractor, and more for kids and even adults of all ages to explore and learn more about.
Paulding Ace Hardware is putting together a corn hole tournament for the evening. You can register your team at Paulding Ace Hardware.
Tunes, Brews, and BBQs has become a crowd favorite and with the uncertain times, the event was cancelled this year, but not to fear. The committee has agreed to merge Tunes, Brews, and BBQs into the fun of the John Paulding Summer Blast! Stick around after the parade and enjoy a cold beer; enjoy live music by Not Fast Enuff and of course barbeque, including BBQ staples Shigs n Pit and Smokin Stevies. The fun will be held on Main Street like usual with the same fun vibe and atmosphere of a stand-alone TB&BBQ event! This segment of the John Paulding Summer Blast is proudly sponsored by Premier Bank (formerly known as First Federal Bank), MY 102.7, and City Beverage.
In addition to BBQ be sure to grab your favorites from food trucks and local non-profits! Enjoy curly fries from the Antwerp Conservation Club, or ice cream from the Big Dipper, and more! The John Paulding Summer Blast is looking for more food vendors, because the more food the better! If you/your organization is interested in being a food vendor contact the JPSB committee by email at corpaulding@gmail.com.
With 2020 being Paulding County’s bicentennial, CoRP wants to celebrate the right way with the beloved fireworks that light up downtown and shine light on the beautiful courthouse! Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 funds were not made available like years past. CoRP is raising funds to be able to provide the community with fireworks this year! If the $8,000 goal is not met, then unfortunately there will be no firework display. If the goal is not met, then all donations will be returned to the donors. If by God’s grace the $8,000 goal is exceeded, then the remaining funds will be rolled over to help pay for next year’s firework display. The organization has started a GoFundMe page that can be found on their Facebook page, Community Revitalizing Paulding. Donations can also be made directly to the organizations. All checks made payable to CoRP, with ‘fireworks’ in the memo line. Contributions can be mailed to PO Box 237 Paulding, OH 45879. CoRP thanks the community in advance for any donations as times are tough and many individuals and businesses were hit hard by COVID-19.
CoRP is prepared to take social distancing precautions and will supply hand sanitizer for event goers but urges everyone to attend the event at their own risk. The coronavirus still poses a threat in the community and around the world, so stay home if ill, and attend the event at your own risk.
The John Paulding Summer Blast is hoping to shed light on the county’s bicentennial and celebrate 200 years with a bang!
