The notion of holding an outdoor area-wide and family-friendly event has been on Victory Park Ohio’s radar for a while. However, it took a pandemic for North Ridgeville’s 60-acre-plus sports-and-entertainment facility to pull the trigger.

“We had a successful Fourth of July fireworks show,” Victory Park Ohio Marketing/Communications Manager Christy Angie said. “That was our way to test things to see how it would go. We were pleasantly surprised with how many people came to the event.

“We received lots of positive feedback that everyone just really enjoyed having something to do with their families in a safe environment. That was strictly a wonderful fireworks show.”

Days after Independence Day, Angie said Victory Park Ohio’s folks sat down with North Ridgeville officials to brainstorm an expanded Labor Day event.

“We came up with the Labor Day Weekend Field Day and Fireworks Show,” Angie said. “There’s a little bit extra this time for families to do at the park.”

Taking place on Sept. 6, the afternoon-into-evening affair invites carloads of families to enjoy the park’s activities and entertainment, which includes magician and illusionist Rick Smith Jr., Ohio Burn Unit’s fire juggling show, a dunk tank, NEO Bubble Soccer, hay rides, a stilt walker, balloon twister and open areas for families to play their own activities (sand volleyball courts, cornhole).

“We were just trying to find different events that we could spread out throughout the park that families could enjoy,” Angie said. “Different shows people could watch before waiting for the fireworks to go off after sunset, which it looks like it’ll be just after 8 p.m.”

Food and beverages will be available to purchase from local vendor trailers, carts and the popular on-site restaurant Victory Grille.

As for the fireworks, Angie said guests can sit inside or socially distance outside their vehicles in lawn chairs and blankets. There are also VIP tickets, which include activities at nearby attractions.

Attendees must purchase tickets online. No tickets will be sold at the gate.

“This will be a rocking end of summer celebrating the Labor Day holiday and helping raise money for a local North Ridgeville charity,” said Victory Park Ohio Managing Partner Joe Borkey in a news release.

“This is an event for the entire family. We want everyone to experience and take advantage of the amenities the park has to offer.”

Net proceeds from the event will benefit North Ridgeville Community Care.

As far as staging another event this fall, Angie said that has yet to be determined.

“We’re going to wait and see how this event plays out, as well as the everchanging pandemic,” Angie said. “Most likely the next event would be 2021.

“Moving forward, we’re hoping that we will become one of the staple facilities to host fireworks for the city and the region.”