Independence Day Celebration

The Fourth is Back for 2022 in Westerville! Ater two years of cancellations and restrictions due to the Covid pandemic, the full Rotary Club of Westerville Independence Day Celebration will return this summer.

ALL events for 2022 are scheduled to take place on Monday, July 4 — including the return of the State Street Parade, the 5K Walk/Run, the Concert Series and Food Truck Festival, and of course the Fireworks Show.

New time for the Parade!

The Rotary Club of Westerville Independence Day Parade will step off on State Street at a new time this year: 10:30 a.m.

The parade route will remain as in recent years, beginning at Old County Line Road and proceeding south to Electric Avenue.

Staging will begin in the parking lot of St. Paul Catholic Church, 313 N. State St., at 9:15 a.m.

60th Year for Rotary Leadership

2022 will mark 60 years since our Rotary Club of Westerville began helping to stage Westerville’s Independence Day!

In 1962, we joined with the Jaycees in sponsoring the Citywide Westerville Independence Day Celebration, and in 1968, we took over sole responsibility – with of course huge annual assistance from the City of Westerville Fire and Police Divisions, Electric Division, Public Service Department, and Parks & Recreation, Departments!

Well, some of those didn’t exist in 1962 or 1968 – but they sure help us today.

We are very excited to bring back the parade in 2022 after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Annehurst kindergartener chooses theme

“Star Spangled and Strong” will be the theme of this year’s parade.

Oscar Oppermann, a student in Mrs. Lindsey Gamertsfelder’s kindergarten class at Annehurst Elementary School, submitted the winning entry in this year’s Rotary contest to choose the theme.

For submitting the winning entry, Oscar and a family or friend gets to ride in a place of honor in the parade – aboard the Rotary Club of Westerville float! Read more on the selection of the Westerville City School District website.

Parade entries welcome!

Local civic organizations, sports and school groups, and neighborhoods are encouraged to get their own entries together for the 2022 Parade.

Whether you plan to walk as a group or construct an elaborate float, the Rotary Club of Westerville welcomes your involvement. Click on the “Parade Registration Form and FAQs” graphic below to get going!

Food donations for WARM

Residents who attend the parade are asked to consider a donation for the local food panty operated by WARM (Westerville Area Resource Ministry).

WARM in its 50th anniversary year, along with its recently retired Director Scott Marier, have been chosen as our Parade Grand Marshals for 2022! Volunteers will walk with a WARM truck in the procession, collecting items brought to the parade for donation. Canned goods, dry foods and check donations (not cash) will be accepted for the WARM pantry.

• Alan & Patricia Ecker, MDs
• American Legion Post 79
• Bradley & Wall Gourmet Foods
• Chase Bank
• David & Dale Moore
• Deloris and George Barlow
• Donahue's Beach Grille
• East Shore Mortgage Services
• Essex Meadow
• Essex Savings Bank

• Guilford Texaco, Inc.
• Guilford Savings Bank
• Guilk & Co. LLC
• Hair We Are LLC
• Hammonasset Ford
• Hill & Hill, LLC
• Insurance Group of Connecticut
• J & J Autoworks, Ltd
• Jia Mei Asian Kitchen, LLC
• Kernel Locksmith, LLC

• Lemley Electric
• Madison Avenue Salon
• Madison Beach Hotel
• Madison Chrysler
• Madison Coffee Shop
• Madison Radiology
• Meriano's Bakery
• Nick's Place Restaurant
• Orlando & Son Painting LLC
• Regional Restrooms