Frequently Asked Questions
Question:
Is there a charge to attend the Americana Festival?
Answer:
No. All events from the street fair to the fireworks display are free to the public. The 5K run and auto show participants are charged a nominal entry fee to defray expenses and to raise funds to support other festival activities.
Question:
Where can I park?
Answer:
- Plenty of free parking is available at three main locations. One is designed specifically for handicapped festival-goers.
- The North Lot is located at Incarnation Church, at Rt. 48 and Williamsburg Lane. Great place to park for short walk to children's mid-way at the Park District's Activity Center!
- Another lot is available on South Main Street, south of Franklin Street at the First Church of Scientist 100 South Main St.
- Handicap-accessible and General parking is available at the Cross Point Church municipal parking lot on Maple Street and at the municipal parking lot adjacent to the Old Town Hall.
- You can park and walk from other locations, as well.
Question:
Is the Americana Festival always held on the 4th of July?
Answer:
Normally the festival is held on the 4th unless the 4th falls on a Sunday in which case the festival is then held on the following Monday the 5th.
Question:
Is the festival a one-day event?
Answer:
Yes. There are peripheral events; however, such as the 3 July Concert in the amphitheater at Centerville’s Stubbs Park and the township’s amateur talent contest normally held on the Thursday before the 4th.
Question:
Does my vehicle have to be an antique or classic car or truck to be in the car show?
Answer:
No. All vehicles are welcome. Many entries in the past have been of relatively recent manufacture, but were in some way unique or rare
Question:
When do the festivities begin?
Answer:
- The day starts with the 5K run at 8:00 a.m. at Centerville High School
- The arts, crafts and food booths open at 9:30 a.m. on North Main Street, from Franklin Street north to Benham’s Grove
- The parade begins at 10:00 a.m., on East Franklin Street, west of the high school, and proceeds west to Virginia Ave disbanding at the Cline Elementary School.
- The Auto show starts at 11:00 a.m. on North Main Street from Benham’s Grove North to Williamsburg Lane
- Entertainment and other activities begin immediately following the parade
- Children Activities at The Park District Activity Center open at 11:00 AM.
- The street fair and other festivities wrap up at 5 p.m.
- Entertainment at Centerville High School stadium begins at 8:30 p.m. A fireworks display immediately follows at 10 p.m.
Question:
What if it rains?
Answer:
All activities will go on, rain or shine with the exception of the fireworks. In the event of rain the fireworks only will take place at 10 p.m. at the CHS stadium on the day following the festival.
Question:
Which streets will be closed to traffic on the day of the festival?
Answer:
- Franklin Street from Clyo Road to Virginia Avenue will be blocked from 7:30 a.m. until noon for the 5k run and parade. Traffic is restricted on South Suburban Road, Compark Road and Westpark Road for parade staging from 7:30am until 12 Noon.
- North Main Street (Route 48) from Williamsburg Lane south to Franklin Street will be closed from 7:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. for the street fair
Question:
What if I have a question or problem while I’m at the festival?
Answer:
Check in with any of the following:
- Police Officers throughout the festivals
- Fire Department Paramedics on Bike Patrol
- The Americana Information booth, located near the entrance of Benham’s Grove, 166 North Main Street
- City of Centerville booth, located near the entrance of Benham’s Grove, 166 North Main Street
- All of these groups will have access to radios and immediate assistance.
Question:
I’m a participant in the parade, so I won’t be able to watch it. How would I be able to see the videotape?
Answer:
The parade will be televised in its entirety by Miami Valley Communications Council. Look for the program on cable channel 10, or call 438-8887 for scheduled showings.
Question:
What time do things wrap up?
Answer:
The festivities continue until 5 p.m. on the day of the festival. At 6 p.m. North Main Street will open to traffic. Entertainment at Centerville High School stadium begins at 8:30 p.m. at the fireworks display begins at 10.p.m.
Question:
How can I participate as a volunteer for next year’s festival?
Answer:
Simply E-mail us at americanafestival@sbcglobal.net or call the Americana Festival office at 937-433-5898
Related resources
If you have any questions please feel free to email us at Americana Festival
