Looking for Fourth of July plans? Here are six celebrations across Centre County
Independence Day is coming up and with it, several celebrations are planned throughout Centre County.
Between larger events, such as the Central PA 4th Fest, and celebrations put on for smaller communities, there’s something in just about every corner of the county. The rest of July will be a busy time for the area as festival season continues, so expect to continue seeing celebrations throughout the month.
Below are some places around Happy Valley to celebrate the Fourth of July.
State College
The Central PA 4th Fest has plenty in store for people in and around State College on July 4. Events are held around Medlar Field at Penn State’s University Park campus on the corner of Curtin and Porter roads.
Events outside of Medlar Field are free; tickets are only required for parking in Penn State lots and to enter the VIP section at Medlar Field. The field will open at 4 p.m.
The day kicks off with the 4K firecracker race at 9 a.m. Register online via Run Sign Up. The race starts near Beaver Stadium, at the corner of Curtin Road and Porter Road.
Vendors will open at noon and musical performances are scheduled throughout the day. The parade starts at 11 a.m.; the route goes from North Burrowes Road onto East College Avenue and off on Shortlidge Road.
A car show will take place in the Jordan East Lot from noon until 5 p.m. (Check-in and same-day registration begins at 11 a.m.) Awards will be presented at 5 p.m.
Other activities, such as a BMX show, lumberjack demonstrations and a “balancing act” are planned for the afternoon. Free hot dogs will be available at 4 p.m., and a birthday cake for America will be cut and given out at 7:04 p.m.
The celebration will wrap up with a fireworks display beginning at 9:45 p.m. More details and a full schedule can be found online at www.centralpa4thfest.org. Activities, 4K route, parade route and a timeline of the day are available at www.centralpa4thfest.org/maps.
Outside of 4th Fest, University Wine Company at 540 Misty Hill Drive, State College, will also have an Independence Day event from 2 p.m. until the end of the fireworks show, which begins at 9 p.m. Food can be purchased from Farmstead Fusion, Flo Bros and Bonfire BBQ beginning at 2 p.m. and Classic Cones beginning at 5 p.m. Musical performances include Extra Miles from 2:30-3:30 p.m., Big Red from 4-5 p.m, Free Range from 5:30-7 p.m., 91 Stitches from 7:30 p.m. until the fireworks begin. Blankets and lawn chairs are permitted but no coolers or outside food and beverages are permitted.
Penns Valley
The Penns Valley Freedom Fest will be behind the Millheim Fire Hall on Friday. A fireworks display will begin at dark. DJ Ricky LaPean will provide entertainment and the Penns Valley cheer team will have a concession stand open at 5 p.m. A veterans presentation will be held at 7:30 p.m., where they’ll honor four local veterans.
The event is free but donations are accepted.
Osceola Mills
The Columbia Volunteer Fire Company’s 103rd annual firemen’s fair will kick off on Sunday, June 29 and continue through July 5. The carnival opens at 6 p.m. every night. Bingo is played daily at 7 p.m. and a silent auction is open nightly as well.
A car show in the park with registration from 9 a.m. until noon is planned for June 29; awards will be presented at 4 p.m. And June 30 is the opening night with DJ Black Cat from 7-10 p.m.
On July 1, DJ Chris will provide entertainment from 7-10 p.m.
Kid’s Day is July 2. Carnival grounds will open at 5 p.m. Expect fire truck rides, discounted kids passes and more. Entertainment from Half Tempted Band is scheduled for 7-10 p.m.
Morgan’s Run Band will perform from 7-10 p.m. July 3.
On July 4, the parade will begin at 11 a.m. The carnival will be open until the end of the awards and then reopens at 6 p.m. Autumn’s Jukebox Duet is the entertainment from 7-10 p.m.
For the final night, Hitchcock Railway Bank will be on from 7-10 p.m. Kneppy’s Fireworks Display at the ballfields will start at 10 p.m.
Julian
Hall’s Fireworks will hold its annual celebration on July 3 at 659 Beaver Road, Julian. Gates will open at 4 p.m. and fireworks will start at dark. The cost is $15/vehicle or $2/person walk-ins. A DJ and a 50/50 raffle are part of the celebration, and food from Snyder’s Concessions and other vendors will be available.
Howard
A community fireworks show will be on July 4, weather permitting, and will begin around 9 p.m. The best places to watch the show are the West End Park, GP Cabinets or the dike. The display is expected to last about an hour and a half.
This list of July 4th celebrations is not exhaustive. Let us know what we missed by emailing hkines@centredaily.com.
