BY ROBERT SANCHEZ
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Kids join in a bike decortating competition and parade at Sharon Woods Park.
(Ryan Miller photo)
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Freedom and fun were prominent throughout the Tristate Saturday, as were rockets' red glare and American flags.
More than 30 communities had celebrations marking the 222nd birthday of the United States.
Warm weather, parades, music and fireworks provided the highlights for a festive afternoon and night.
"This is the one day . . . where people can go out and have some fun," said Mary Ward, who enjoyed the holiday festivities at Evanston Park with her family. Fourth of July events also were scheduled on the riverfront downtown.
As fans left the Reds game in the afternoon, a crowd of people was listening to music and playing in the fountain at Yeatman's Cove.
Although hot dogs and barbecue were on picnic menus, freedom was the main course.
"I'm trying hard to get my kids to understand the importance of being free," said Latonya Murphy, 25, a Walnut Hills mother of two.
"It's important to know where you came from because we don't want to go back to how it was. We want to learn from our mistakes so we don't repeat them."
A clown builds a balloon dog at Sawyer Point.
(Michael Snyder photo)
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Children understand the importance of the Fourth of July and won't take their independence for granted, said 9-year-old Michael Robinson.
Michael has learned about his heritage and the nation's history from school and his mother, May.
"I know that we can do stuff here that you can't do in other places," said Michael, who lives in Sharonville.
"We have things people in other places don't have. It's a special time for all of us."
At the Taft Museum, visitors were quizzed on their knowledge of U.S. presidents.
At noon, 76 people had come through the doors of the museum, said Rosemary Franklin, who greets visitors.
For Ms. Franklin, Saturday was a day to praise the nation and the people of Cincinnati.
"This is the most all-American city in the country," she said. Still, for some people, the afternoon was a time to get outside and enjoy the sun.
Children -- and children at heart -- could be found dancing at concerts and searching sidewalks for stray pieces of candy tossed to parade crowds.
"We all need to just take some time off work and sit around with the family," Ms. Murphy said.
"This is a great holiday, but it's better when you have someone to celebrate it with."
