two boys holding their noses and jumping off a dock into a lake
Two boys beat the July 4th heat at Sockman Lake in Fredericktown. Credit: Cheryl Splain

KNOX COUNTY — Knox County communities turned out in force to celebrate Independence Day 2025.

Decked in red, white, and blue hats and shirts and adorned with ribbons, they enjoyed activities that draw communities together: parades, ice cream, softball, and swimming.

Gambier kicked off the day’s activities by naming Royal Rhodes Citizen of the Year and Adele Davidson Poet Laureate of the Year.

Fredericktown got into the swing of things with swimming at Sockman Lake, picnics, live music, and softball. The village topped it off with fireworks at dusk.

Mount Vernon citizens gathered to enjoy food trucks, live music, dancing, and the 10th anniversary of Ariel-Foundation Park.

man and woman sitting in lawn chairs listening to music
Former Mount Vernon Mayor Richard K. Mavis and his wife Peg enjoy the festivities at the July 4, 2025, celebration at Ariel-Foundation Park. Mavis was the catalyst in creating the park. Credit: Cheryl Splain

“It just goes to show you that when you cross dedicated volunteers, vision, a shoestring budget, but a town spirit that is like none other, you get a world-class park like Ariel Foundation park,” Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr said.

Starr read a proclamation to commemorate the anniversary, noting that the park’s unique amenities have drawn over a million people for festivals, concerts, weddings, exercise, reflection and relaxation, family gatherings, and fireworks.

Starr said the City of Mount Vernon is “deeply grateful for this collaborative spirit which has made Ariel-Foundation Park a model of public-private partnership and a treasured destination in the heart of Ohio.”

A world-class example

Knox County Foundation Executive Director Jeff Scott acknowledged the foundation’s contributions to the park, as well as those of Ariel Corp., Ariel Foundation, Clean Ohio Fund, and numerous other donors.

“Throughout the journey, the Ariel-Foundation Park Conservancy has been guided by the vision that Ariel-Foundation Park would be a world-class example of adaptive reuse that honors its industrial heritage and is the focal point for recreation, entertainment, and social interaction in Mount Vernon and Knox County,” Scott said.

Park Manager Mike Miller said the park draws visitors from all over the world for fishing, kayaking, and enjoying the sunset, among other activities.

“It’s my pleasure to foster the special attention to detail that was given by Ted [Schnormeier] and Bob Stovicek in being intentional about the park’s development. May we all be healthier and happier for these special gifts which we have been given,” he said.

“The park is for everyone, so let’s take great care of it.”

by Cheryl Splain July 5, 2025