T-L Photo/SHELLEY HANSON MARTINS FERRY city worker Aaron Anderson trims grass and weeds at the City Park in time for the city’s Independence Day festivities, set to occur from 4-11 p.m. Monday. In the background, one can see a World War I memorial statue at the park.

MARTINS FERRY — For many people, this year’s Fourth of July festivities won’t just be a celebration of the country’s independence, but also of their own personal freedom to mingle with family and friends after a year-long battle with an invisible foe –the COVID-19 virus.

Those wishing to celebrate both occasions appear to have plenty of opportunities to do so this weekend and beyond, as many communities have planned festivities to entertain people for the holiday.

In Barnesville, the village’s Independence Day Celebration and Fireworks is slated Saturday, July 3, at Barnesville Memorial Park. A free swim will be held from noon to 6 p.m. Live music will be played at the park’s amphitheater starting at 2:30 p.m. The fireworks display is set to start about dusk and can be seen from the park.

The rain date for the fireworks is dusk Saturday, July 10.

“We encourage families and residents to come out to the park to enjoy all that we have to offer,” Mayor Dale Bunting said on social media.

A Chicken Barbecue Dinner is planned from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Mothers Club Shelter at the park. Service is carryout only.

Oglebay Park’s fireworks display is scheduled to start at dusk Saturday, July 3, at Schenk Lake. A concert with live music is also planned from 7-10 p.m. at the lake.

In St. Clairsville, the city’s events are being held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 3, and are centered around the Belmont County Courthouse. Starting at 10 a.m., there will be a rededication of a historic National Road mile marker. At 11 a.m. a parade will begin, featuring children riding their scooters and bikes and dressed up in red, white and blue. People dressed up as historically significant figures will also participate and begin parading at 11:30 a.m.

People can also check out the Belmont County Heritage Museum, located next to the courthouse, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

In Harrison County, on Saturday, July 3, a car show is slated from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Scio American Legion; the Ruritan Club is hosting a Chicken Barbecue Dinner at 11 a.m. at the Scio Firehouse. And starting at 9 p.m., a fireworks display will kick off at the Scio Sportsman Club, according to the Harrison County Visitor Center.

A separate fireworks display is scheduled at about 9 p.m. Saturday, July 3, at Tappan Lake Park. On Sunday, July 4, an outdoor movie will be shown from 9-11 p.m. at the Tappan Lake Park beach.

Also, Hopedale is scheduled to have a fireworks display starting at 9 p.m. Sunday, July 4, at the Hopedale American Legion.

In Monroe County, a fireworks display is set to begin at dusk Saturday, July 3, near the Woodsfield Memorial Pool.

The city of Toronto is set to hold a fireworks display at about 10 p.m. Saturday, July 3.

In the city of Wheeling, the annual fireworks display is set to happen about dusk Sunday, July 4, at Wheeling Heritage Port. A free concert by the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra featuring patriotic and festive music kicks off at 7:30 p.m. at the port, located along Water Street. As part of the city’s celebration, there is free admission to city-owned swimming pools through Monday.

In the city of Steubenville, a fireworks display is set to happen about 9:45 p.m. Sunday, July 4, to be set off from the Fort Steuben Park area. Starting at 7 p.m. live music will begin to entertain people before the fireworks. There will also be food vendors starting at about 4 p.m.

The city of Moundsville is set to host a fireworks display at dusk Sunday, July 4. The rain date will be Monday, July 5.

In Martins Ferry, the city is planning to hold a Celebration in the Park from 4-11 p.m. Monday, July 5, at the City Park. It will feature music, games, food, a free swim at the city swimming pool from noon to 8 p.m. and a fireworks display at dusk.

Live music will include Taylor Porter from 4-6 p.m. and the Honky Tonk Sweethearts from 7-9 p.m. There will also be a DJ spinning tunes.

Wells Township is set to conduct a fireworks display at dusk on Monday, July 5.

In the village of Bethesda, a fireworks display is set to begin at dusk July 11 at the Shepherd Farm Barn and Event Center, 433 N. Main St.