July 4 will look different this year, but there are plenty of ways to celebrate in Centre County
Independence Day celebrations, set to represent one of the first shared experiences since March in Happy Valley, are almost here.
The Central Pennsylvania 4th Fest is scheduled to once again spearhead fireworks shows in the Centre Region, even though its traditional celebration was canceled.
The nonprofit plans to simultaneously light fireworks in four locations about 9:30 p.m. Saturday. Recommended viewing locations include the Nittany Mall, Hills Plaza, the shopping center along Colonnade Boulevard and the Science Park Road corridor.
Volunteers expect the displays to last about 12-15 minutes. An accompanying soundtrack is scheduled to be broadcast via radio — 99.5 WBUS, 93.7 WMAJ, 101.1 WFGE and 103.1 WAPY. Rain dates are scheduled for Friday and Sunday.
4th Fest has also planned a different kind of parade this year, calling on community members and organizations to submit videos for a virtual parade from 2-4 p.m. Saturday. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/4thfestparade/.
Fireworks and festivities at Medlar Field
The State College Spikes also planned a variety of festivities starting about 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park, including kids running the bases.
Seating packages that offer “prime views” of the 4th Fest fireworks are available until 4 p.m. Saturday. All tickets must be purchased in advance, and all attendees must park in the Porter North lot.
Fans can purchase four seats for $20, with additional seats available for $5 per seat.
Masks will be required for entry and while traveling through the stadium, physical distancing of at least six feet should be observed at all times and capacity will be limited to 225.
Attendees may also bring nonperishable food items to donate to 4th Fest’s Neighbors Helping Neighbors food drive. All items are expected to go to the YMCA of Centre County’s Anti-Hunger program.
“Medlar Field at Lubrano Park has been a place for the community to come together and celebrate the 4th of July for many years, and we are proud to do so again safely in 2020 while making a positive impact on the lives of our neighbors,” Spikes general manager Scott Walker said in a statement.
Adjustments to Kids on Wheels Parade
Centre Region Parks and Recreation’s annual July 4 Kids on Wheels Parade is still scheduled for Saturday, but with some adjustments due to restrictions against large gatherings. Parade attendees must sign up at www.crpr.org and the event is limited to the first 250 registrations.
The line-up area has been increased this year to be along Foster Avenue between Locust Lane and Garner Street in downtown State College to allow for physical distancing. The parade is expected to move down Foster Avenue starting at 10 a.m., with no after-party at Sidney Friedman Parklet this year.
Fireman’s Fair and Parade still on
Columbia Fire Company, based in Clearfield County, scheduled one of the area’s few in-person celebrations. The department’s 98th annual Fireman’s Fair and Parade is still set to welcome attendees for bingo, an auction and a parade starting at 11 a.m.
Each event is expected to have several restrictions, including masks and gloves.
“There have been many changes recently with day-to-day life. And throughout these last few months, many choices have been made on behalf of others,” the fire company wrote on Facebook. “Unfortunately, few people have had the freedom to choose for themselves. We feel we have the ability to provide a safe environment ... to give everyone the choice to attend this event.”
This story was originally published July 1, 2020 at 6:00 AM.