Correspondent photo / Tim Gleason Members of Niles VFW Post 2074, along with their families, ride on a float in the Niles Fourth of July parade.

There was something for everyone in Niles on Thursday at the annual Fourth of July celebration. The day started with a parade through downtown and ended with a fireworks display. In between there was a car show, bounce house games for kids and plenty of food vendors to keep a happy crowd well-fed.

The car show was organized by Dave Petrella of Niles, who said that an estimated 75 vintage cars came from all around –some as far as Dayton. One car owner, Dave Fleming of Vienna, proudly stood before his 1955 Chevrolet 210 Sedan and reminisced about how much he has enjoyed the show over the years.

“I just love coming here and talking to the other car owners,” Fleming said. “We share a common bond about how we keep these cars shiny and running well. It takes us back to the good old days.”

In the end, it was the Elbon family who stole the show.

Jim Elbon Jr. of Mineral Ridge won the Best Car in the Show with his 1967 Chevy Nova, while his father, Jim Elbon Sr., won a Top 20 award with his 1941 Ford Convertible Deluxe.

“He beats me all the time,” Elbon Sr. said with a laugh. “That’s OK. We keep it all in the family.”

Members of the Niles VFW Post 2074 were out in full force.

Post commander Dave Sheely, 56, of Mineral Ridge who served in Afghanistan, and many others represented the Post’s 110 members in celebrating our country’s independence.

“This day represents the freedom of our country,” Sheely said. “So many Americans sacrificed their lives for our freedom. We owe them our profound gratitude.”

One of the elder statesmen of Post 2074, Ted Fonnest of Niles, 76, was in the Air Force during the Vietnam War.

“Today means everything to me,” Fonnest said. “We fight around the world so we don’t have to fight on American soil.”

To some who celebrate the day, the Fourth of July means much simpler things.

Natalie Russell, an 8-year-old third grader at Niles Primary School, was crowned Little Miss Niles in 2024.

She rode in the parade – not in a car, but on a horse named Mack.

“I get to ride on a horse today,” Natalie said, “and then go swimming, but my favorite part of the day will be the fireworks.”

Niles Mayor Steve Mientkiewicz was on hand to take in all the festivities.

“Today is a great time to salute our nation’s independence,” Mientkiewicz said. “We rally our community every year for a downtown celebration. It’s a great day for us.”