Concert and Fireworks at Ohio State and COTC Campus Cancelled

The Ohio State University at Newark and Central Ohio Technical College (COTC) regretfully announce that the Independence Day concert and fireworks event held at the shared campus is cancelled for the second year. 

“This celebration has become a family tradition that is enjoyed by many generations – and each year it seems to get a little larger. We recognize that many people will be disappointed, which makes this decision difficult to share. The responsibility to ensure we are doing our best with the information and guidelines available to support the health and safety of our students, employees and community members is our top priority,” said Ohio State Newark Dean/Director William L. MacDonald, PhD. 

In recent years, crowds at the event have consistently exceeded 20,000 people on campus at one time. Because the open campus is accessible on foot, bicycle or motor vehicle, restricting attendance to comply with capacity limits is impossible. Even though the event is outdoors, the open landscape makes it impracticable to ensure appropriate physical distancing is maintained throughout the duration of the event.

“Ohio State Newark and COTC, with support from the Reese Family Foundation, have been fortunate to be part of your Independence Day celebrations for many years,” said COTC President John M. Berry, PhD. “While we deeply regret that we will not be able to hold this beloved event again this year, our highest priority must be the ongoing safety and well-being of our students, employees and community members. We remain optimistic about coming out of this pandemic and being able to host this event next year.”

Central Ohio Technical College and The Ohio State University at Newark have forged an outstanding array of educational opportunities for the central Ohio region and beyond. This partnership is viewed as a model for higher education in the state of Ohio.  At Central Ohio Technical College, students gain hands-on, applicable experience to begin working in the field, or to transfer those credits toward a bachelor’s degree program. The Ohio State University at Newark offers an academic environment that is inclusive of diversity, challenging but supportive with world-renowned professors and access to Ohio State’s more than 200 majors.