This year’s city Independence Day celebration has a little bit of everything for everyone.

Shaker Woods Helping Hands will kick off the semiquincentennial on June 27 with its annual event.

Gates open at 5 p.m. out in Shaker Woods’ 44337 Countyline Road location and culminate at dusk with a spectacular fireworks show.

According to Kim Sharshan, who is one of the non-profit’s board members, the organization was established in 2023 out a deep-rooted desire to make a difference in the city’s backyard.

An example of a past patriotic themed display presented by Glyphix for another one of its clients in this file photo. This year Glyphix comes from out-of-state to Columbiana, where it will produce a similar drone light swarm show for the city’s semiquincentennial Fourth of July festivities. (Photos courtesy of Glyphix)

“We believe that a strong community begins with strong families. Shaker Woods Helping Hands offers crucial support to families facing financial hardships, ensuring that basic needs are met and children have the tools they need to succeed,” she explained.

In addition to serving as the 501(c)3’s treasurer, Sharshan witnesses the need daily as the principal for Joshua Dixon Elementary School.

This can come in the form of contributions to benefits for families rebounding from catastophes, like a cancer diagnosis or a house fire, or donations to charitable efforts.

In 2026, Sharshan said that the food vendors are back along for the celebration along with live music, 50/50 and basket raffles as well as, of course, the fireworks.

In the case of inclement weather, the festivities instead will be held on Sunday, June 28.

Preceding up to the fireworks, families usually can be found gathered around their lawn chairs and vehicles, enjoying food from the vendors, playing games like cornhole, enjoying an inflatable or tossing around a football, Sharshan explained.

Donations still are being sought by a basket raffle, she added.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available at levels between $100 and $3,000. All VIP lounge passes and complimentary event T-shirts, which are awarded to sponsors, will be delivered prior to the event.

All checks also can be mailed to checks to Shaker Woods Helping Hands, P.O. Box 279, Columbiana OH 44408 by May 1.

For information, including on how to donate a gift basket for the non-profit’s raffle, call 330-550-4190.

While Shaker Woods Helping Hands’ event will open the celebration, Columbiana city councilman Ty Graham is spearheading Columbiana’s ramped-up effort for America’s 250th, which includes the drone show, seemingly a first for this area.

“We are trying to do some cool things for the Fourth of July, and we formed this committee when the city was first nominated,” he explained.

The Columbiana Area Tourism Bureau spearheaded formation of this committee, which includes reps from Shaker Woods Helping Hands, the Columbiana Street Fair, Market on Main, the city’s school board, the Columbiana Arts Theater (CAT) and the Siembida Boggs Foundation.

Graham, who is one of two reps from city government, said the drone show set to be produced by Glyphix will conclude the weeklong schedule of events in Columbiana.

Glyphix is an out-of-state company, and Graham acknowledges the drone show will be a substantial expense – even more so than the annual fireworks that Columbiana has had in the past.

Many members of the Columbiana Fourth of July fireworks effort are involved with the committee and excited about the change.

Graham expects that $76,000 worth of fundraising is needed for the event.

“America’s 250 really is an unique opportunity,” he explained, adding that is deserving of an equally unique celebration.

Some of the familiar favorites like cornhole and fishing tournament will be back for this year’s celebration; however, organizers also have combined those with pickleball, a home run derby, a 5K race, flag football and various competitive contests to create a Patriot Games of sorts.

The hugely favorite pet show also will return in 2026.

Columbiana also is planning a DORA (Downtown Outdoor Refreshment Area) event in downtown July 3 with live music, food trucks, inflatables, family activities and a dedication for the Garden of Eatin’ as part of the festivities as well as a series of concerts on the Fourth of July at Firestone Park.

Last year, a ribboncutting for the completed mural for the garden was held while this year’s dedication celebrates the project’s next level of development.

A Market of Main event along with the Shaker Woods Helping Hands is set for June 27.

Serving as an educator for Salem schools, Graham is especially proud of the city’s continuing efforts to include the community’s youth in the festivities.

Students from Heartland Christian School and both Columbiana and Crestview school districts are being invited to participate in a youth scholarship competition.

He explained that district officials will nominate candidates on behalf of their institutions to participate in event, where students will turn submitted essays into live speeches. An art show also will be held.

“We are trying to bring the community together,” Graham said, adding that local businesses also will be participating in various capacities.

More information will be forthcoming on all those upcoming activities.

Graham said that donations in support of Columbiana’s Fourth of July celebration can be sent to the Columbiana Area Tourism Bureau at 11 N. Main St. Columbiana 44408.

Donors can enjoy various rewards based on the amount contributed.

For example, donors of $250 or more receiving a commemorative personalized brick within the Garden of Eatin’ and is included in event promotion, while businesses who contribute $5,000 or more will have their business name written in the sky during the drone show.

There also are various lower level tiers, including one that supports the youth scholarships specifically, that will be detailed on social media, Graham concluded.