A variety of events are taking place throughout the Mahoning Valley to celebrate Independence Day and the nation’s 250th birthday. They include:

FRIDAY

CANFIELD — There will be a fireworks show at 9:45 p.m. at the Canfield Fairgrounds. Gates open at 5 p.m. with live entertainment, concessions and activities for children.

MESOPOTAMIA — The Mesopotamia Ox Roast will be 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. July 3 to 5 at the township center at state Routes 87 and 534. More than 160 dealers and live entertainment, as well as the famous roast beef sandwiches, will be featured. There will be a pancake breakfast at the town hall 7 to 11 a.m. daily.

SALEM — There will be a time capsule dedication at 10 a.m. at Liberty Center, 129 E. State St. This will be a celebration of the achievements of more than 30 organizations from Salem with speakers, a ribbon-cutting and music. There will be a patriotic-themed celebration for America250.

WARREN — An America250 celebration will be 5 to 8 p.m. at the Warren Community Amphitheatre sponsored by the Veterans Service Commission of Trumbull County.

YOUNGSTOWN — First Friday Downtown Youngstown celebrates America250 at the Ohio One Building and the Apollo 5 to 8 p.m. on West Commerce and North Phelps. There will be nonprofits, community organizations and civic engagement opportunities. There will be live music on North Phelps and at the Apollo Event Center. Building tours will be given at the Ohio One Building, as well as guided historic tours by the Mahoning Valley Historical Society.

JULY 4

AUSTINTOWN — The parade will start at noon at the intersection of Raccoon and Kirk roads. The theme is “250 Years of Freedom: Honoring Our Past, Celebrating Our Future,” in honor of America250. This event features parade floats, community organizations and a fireworks celebration.

CANFIELD — The parade starts at 10 a.m. followed by festivities at the village green. Float judging will be at 8:30 a.m. Following the parade, there will be bands at the gazebo, a watermelon eating contest, pet costume parade, bocce tournament, bounce houses and games.

COLUMBIANA — Firestone Park, North Main Street, will have celebration at 11 a.m. with a pet contest and parade, followed by an ice cream eating contest at 1:30 p.m., a watermelon eating contest at 3:30 pm, and a 4 p.m. martial arts demonstration, all with food vendors and music. The event also will feature skydivers and will conclude with a Phantom Fireworks display at 10 p.m.

GUSTAVUS — The 104th homecoming celebration starts at 9 a.m. at the township center. The parade is at 10 a.m. starting at the township park. There will be a tot king and queen contest, turtle races (age 18 and under, bring your own turtle), Kiddie Tractor Pull, cornhole tournament and games.

HOWLAND — The parade begins at 10 a.m. along East Market Street from Hunter Woods Plaza to Howland High School followed by games, activities, food and entertainment at Richard Orwig Park.

NEWTON FALLS — The parade begins at 10 a.m. along Broad Street with a festival at the village park with food, games, rides and entertainment. Fireworks will begin at 10 p.m. The 80th annual festival is Tuesday through Saturday at the park.

NILES — The parade is at 11 a.m. on Main Street from Federal to State streets. A car, truck and motorcycle show and craft fair will take place at the Niles Senior Center. There will be food, music, vendors and activities for the kids.

WARREN — The W.D. Packard Band will play its holiday concert on the lawn at Packard Music Hall at 8 p.m. and will be followed by a fireworks display.

JULY 5

YOUNGSTOWN — Ignite the Night Youngstown in honor of America250 will be 6 to 10:30 p.m. with a performance by the Youngstown Symphony Orchestra followed by a fireworks show at the Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre and Wean Park.

To add an event to this list, email the information to society@tribtoday.com with July 4 in the subject line.