Paulding, OH: The John Paulding Summer Blast set for Friday, July 17th in downtown Paulding is being revised due to current Governor’s orders. CoRP (Community Revitalizing Paulding) the organization behind the John Paulding Summer Blast were forced to make some tough decisions in regard to the event. After consulting with the Paulding County Health Department and taking the Governor’s orders into consideration, they have chosen to proceed with the event for the most part, however it will not include the parade, Kids Zone, and touch-a-truck.
The event will still include live music, beer, food vendors, the Paulding Ace Hardware corn hole tournament, and of course the fireworks. Due to social distancing and sanitation requirements, the parade, Kids Zone, and touch-a-truck have been eliminated from the line-up of events.
“We can still have a great time and celebrate our bicentennial year but in a more cautious and safe way,” says Dave Burtch, CoRP board chair. “This event will feel a little more like a Tunes, Brews, and BBQ but will include fireworks at the end of the night.” The event will still be loads of fun and will abide by all health orders and Governor’s orders as we continue to fight the coronavirus globally.
Food vendors and beer will start serving at 5:00 PM, with the Paulding Ace Hardware tournament starting at 6:00 PM. Anyone interested in participating in the tournament should register at Paulding Ace Hardware. Live music by Not Fast Enuff will begin at 6:30 PM, and the fireworks will begin around 10:00 PM. The fireworks are shot off behind the Paulding County Carnegie Library and can be seen from most places in town! All activities will be held in downtown Paulding around the courthouse square.
There will be hand sanitizer available, and tables will be disinfected periodically throughout the event. Tables will be spread out and social distancing will be advised while waiting in line for food and drink. Although it’s expected to be hot, masks are recommended but not required.
This year has been challenging and not like any other summer. In fact something like COVID 19 hasn’t struck our region since 1918. Everyone is eager to get outside and get back to normal, but at the same time things still are not normal across the country. The coronavirus still lurks in our community and when making the decision to discontinue parts of the event this year, CoRP really tried to make the best decision to fit the community.
