Parades, fireworks and more: Your guide to July 4 festivities in Centre County
From fireworks to parades, there is something for everyone this Independence Day weekend. As festival season approaches in Centre County, communities are kicking it off with an action-packed Fourth that marks America’s 250th birthday.
The Central PA 4th Fest, though smaller this year, is sure to draw crowds to State College. Meanwhile, Penns Valley, Howard and other areas nearby are gearing up for their own celebrations.
Below are some places to celebrate America’s 250th birthday around Centre County.
State College area
Despite reduced funding and fewer volunteers, the Central PA 4th Fest will once again host a lively day of celebration.
For the 22nd year, the Firecracker 4K will kick off the festivities at 9am. The 2.49-mile course starts at Beaver Stadium and takes runners (and walkers) through Penn State’s main campus.
People who plan to participate in the 4K have until 9 a.m. on race day to register online. The fee, which benefits 4th Fest, is $35.76 for adults and $21.76 for people under 18 or over 70.
Veterans, students, performers, entrepreneurs and other community members are expected to participate in this year’s 4th Fest parade, which will step off for its march through downtown State College at 11 a.m.
From 4 p.m. to dark, festivities will take place at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park, where the day will end with a bang. Fourth Fest’s fireworks show, synced to the rhythm of traditional anthems and popular tunes on WBUS, will start after dark.
Tickets to watch fireworks at Medlar Field start at $9.26, and are sold separately from tickets to park at the venue.
Additional information can be found at centralpa4thfest.org, including a forthcoming event schedule and maps of the parade route, 4K course and parking options.
Businesses in State College are hosting celebrations, too.
There will be live music and food trucks at University Wine Company at 540 Misty Hill Drive, State College, where people of all ages are invited to celebrate from noon to 9 p.m. on July 4. Guests are welcome to stay later and watch the 4th Fest fireworks.
Also in State College, Palmer Museum is hosting a day of celebration on July 2 centered around its new exhibition, “Dreaming American Futures: Invitational 250,” which showcases work by regional artists and Penn State students, alumni, faculty and staff. The program, which runs from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., includes a walk through the Arboretum, a series of historical readings and a gallery conversation with artists. The event is free, and guests can stay for as much or as little time as they want.
Bellefonte
Nearby Bellefonte is celebrating America’s birthday a day early, with a parade on July 3.
The march will start at 5:30 p.m. at Bellefonte High School, 830 Bishop St., Bellefonte, and head to the courthouse before winding toward Talleyrand Park. The celebration will continue at the park with a dedication of “Hometown Hero” banners, followed by a concert from the Bellefonte and State College Community Bands.
Also at Talleyrand, local nonprofits will offer bites to eat for a “Melting Pot Food Tasting,” meant to represent America’s heritage.
Osceola Mills
For the 104th year, Columbia Volunteer Fire Company is hosting a Firemen’s Fair. The celebration started Sunday, with a car show on Lingle Street. There will be live music in the evenings all week, along with a carnival, bingo and a silent auction. After an 11 a.m. parade on Saturday, the festivities will end with fireworks at the ballfield on Railroad Street at 10 p.m.
Proceeds from the festival benefit the Columbia Volunteer Fire Company of Osceola Mills.
Penns Valley
Penns Valley is preparing for its “biggest fireworks show” yet, organizers said on Facebook.
The show will start behind Millheim Fire Company at 103 N. St., Millheim, after dark on July 4. The concession stand, run by the Penns Valley Cheerleaders, will open at 5 p.m., and there will be a presentation honoring veterans at 7:30 p.m.
The event is free and open to the public, though donations are encouraged.
Huston Township
Local organizers in Julian are hosting a fireworks show and festival at 659 Beaver Road, rain or shine, on Friday.
Festivities will start at 4 p.m. on July 3, with live music and food from several vendors, including Snyder’s Concessions. Guests are encouraged to carpool, and the fee to enter is $15 per car and $2 per person on foot.
Tailgating and personal grills are allowed, but alcohol and personal fireworks are not. A full list of guidelines and event details can be found on Facebook.
Howard
Rex Smith and company are set for their annual fireworks show about dusk July 4. West End Park and its surroundings are some of the top places to watch. The free show is expected to last at least 90 minutes.
“We’re just a bunch of guys trying to have fun and want others to join in,” Smith told the Centre Daily Times.
This is not an exhaustive list. Let us know about the Independence Day festivities we missed by emailing cecile.mcwilliams@centredaily.com.
