Northside Fourth goes family friendly

Every Fourth of July, neighbors and visitors in Northside gather for a neighborhood parade like no other. Starting at noon, politicians walk alongside floats for kids, neighborhood businesses and groups like the "men's drill team" and the "lawnchair ladies." Afterward, revelers gather at Hoffner Park for music and food for the afternoon.

But this year, there's a twist. Since the Fourth of July falls on a Wednesday, in addition to a July 3 evening Rock 'n Roll Festival, the Northside Business Association hosts a Family Fun Carnival for the afternoon of the Fourth.

The Fourth of July starts early in Northside, at 9 am, with a Red, White & Blue Pancake Breakfast that benefits Happen Inc.

After the parade, the Family Fun Carnival features a range of activities for kids of all ages offered by local, kid-friendly nonprofits including Happen, Inc., Churches Active in Northside, WordPlay Cincy and others.

Food vendors, from gelato to pizza and beer, and local entrpreneurs with populate booths to round out the celebration, which starts with the parade at noon and ends at 5 pm.


Do Good:

• Find the Parade on Facebook.

• Learn about Cincinnati Northside online.

• Like the Northside Community Council on Facebook.