STEUBENVILLE -Fourth of July celebrations across the city included free food, free swimming and plenty of remembrances.
Celebrations opened at noon Wednesday at the John F. Kennedy Apartments on Sixth Street with a free senior luncheon.
Mayor Domenick Mucci opened the event with a few words of respect for those who "helped establish the glorious history of the nation."
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BEATING THE HEAT — Belleview Park in Steubenville on Wednesday offered free swimming to all residents throughout the day as part of the city’s Fourth of July celebrations and offered residents a chance to escape from the temperaturs in the 90s.
"We today are reaping the rewards of their steadfast loyalty to America, and the many sacrifices they made to make our country independent," said Mucci. "It is up to us that our country retains the strength and unity shown by our forefathers. Let us please also remember those still in harm's way and pray for their safe return."
City Manager Cathy Davison performed the national anthem for the large crowd attending the luncheon, while 4th Ward Councilwoman Angela Suggs offered the benediction.
"We thank you for allowing us to see this day, this day of independence to celebrate the freedom and liberty you've afforded us," said Suggs.
Other city council representatives were present at the event to assist with serving the food, bingo and drawing prizes. Drawing prizes included gift cards from Wal-Mart, which donated the chicken for the luncheon. Mucci thanked Wal-Mart and other sponsors from throughout the city.
The city offered free swimming to all residents at Belleview Park as part of its Fourth of July events.
Residents flocked to the pool in an effort to escape the temperatures that have ranged in the 90s during the past several days.
The weather also led to a delay in the city's fireworks, which were originally scheduled for Sunday at the close of the Stars and Stripes Concert, but were postponed due to thunderstorms that moved through the area that evening.
Mucci said the fireworks have been rescheduled for 9:45 p.m. Friday. The show is free to attend and will launch from the upper tier of the Hollywood City Center, right behind Kroger and near the Harding Stadium practice field.
