Central PA 4th Fest isn’t what is used to be. Organizers say there’s a clear reason why
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, hundreds of volunteers made the Central PA 4th Fest come to life with a large-scale festival, parade and more. This year, the event is operating with a small fraction of that number, leading to big changes that have not gone unnoticed by community members.
In response to dwindling volunteer numbers, 4th Fest is moving forward with a celebration that won’t feature its iconic downtown parade or 4K race. Festival organizers like President Kurt Weibel estimate the event is down to about 20 to 30 volunteers this year — a far cry from 4th Fest’s usual 300 or 400 workers who once helped it become the largest volunteer-only fireworks show in the country.
“People move on. Over the course of time, people change and grow up,” said Weibel, who’s volunteered with the event for nearly 15 years. “Unfortunately, there’s been a big change in this world — something we didn’t expect in our lives. The pandemic isn’t an excuse, but it’s a fact. It’s hard to get people to work, let alone to do so without getting paid. There’s no longer a volunteer base that’s as strong as it once was.”
What can attendees expect at Medlar Field?
In past years, volunteers were used in nearly every facet of 4th Fest’s functions and planning, ranging from fireworks staffers and custodial crews to hot dog distributors and board members. Weibel started out on the event’s operations committee before working his way up to become 4th Fest’s president.
With a lighter support staff in tow, 4th Fest is moving forward with a smaller event lineup. On top of the festival’s annual 30-minute fireworks showcase, guests can catch performances from David Smith Jr. and his Human Cannonball act, Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes and local bands like the Gill Street Band and Velveeta at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park. Gates will open at 4 p.m. on Monday, July 4, but unlike in past years, tailgating isn’t permitted.
This time around, the State College Spikes won’t play on Independence Day. The team will face the West Virginia Black Bears on Sunday, July 3, and host postgame fireworks for fans in attendance, leaving the stadium solely dedicated to 4th Fest on the Fourth of July.
Organizers like Weibel say they’ve received no shortage of criticism following changes to this year’s event. In turn, he hopes fans of the event will join the cause to put 4th Fest back on the map.
“If you’re disappointed that there’s no 4K race or there’s no parade, please contact us and be patient with us,” Weibel said. “We wish you would come, be a part of the organization and lead that charge. It’s all coming back, but just not this year.”
Adapting to financial, pandemic challenges
Weibel said 4th Fest suffered significant financial blows in 2020 and 2021 when traditional revenue streams were disrupted by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Those festivals still happened, including a limited event in 2021 and a fireworks display in 2020 spread out across the region to disperse crowds. But without large-scale ticket sales or guest proceeds, 4th Fest couldn’t produce the revenue it needed to support future celebrations.
This year’s event is supported by a $20,000 grant from the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau — funding that Weibel says is critical to 4th Fest’s operations. Continued support from community fixtures is helping the annual festival roll with the punches and remain available for the Centre Region.
“I see it this way: You’re driving a vehicle, and you have a rear-view mirror. It’s there for a purpose: to see what’s in the past. But you have a very large windshield in front of you, and that’s the future,” Weibel said. “You can’t always look in the past and wish things were the same. Things have changed, and they always will change. We’re trying to move with those changes while keeping our show intact. Support from others helps us do that.”
Longtime volunteers like Jeff Brown say those bashing the event’s fewer offerings aren’t grasping the hurdles the organization has needed to jump through in recent years. He argues the festival’s continuation through the pandemic alone deserves more credit than criticism.
“Some people don’t realize that 4th Fest had to change, too,” Brown said. “When the pandemic hit, it didn’t look like there was going to be a fireworks display in 2020 at all. These people said, ‘We can’t let the community down. We’ve got to do a show.’ … Even now in 2022, they’ve had to adjust and make do. Now, not having a show isn’t an option, and they’re doing what they can.”
Brown, a State College-area radio DJ, recalls helping 4th Fest flourish in the area through his work at WZWW (95.3 FM), commonly called 3WZ by Centre County locals. The station was one of 4th Fest’s biggest sponsors and marketers when the festival underwent a transformation in the ‘80s and ‘90s fueled by rebranding and a cutting-edge computer-guided fireworks display.
Maintaining the event’s presence in Centre County is critically important to locals like Brown, who first began volunteering with 4th Fest more than three decades ago. Although he’s taken a breather for the past few years, Brown says 4th Fest remains a cornerstone of Centre Region summer entertainment.
“The past few years have made me realize how important 4th Fest is to the community,” said Brown, who wants to volunteer again next year. “Everything was so upside down with the world, the community, everything. But despite all the crises, we still had fireworks on the Fourth of July. I think the message they wanted to send was, ‘Everything is going to be OK.’ That sense of normalcy is invaluable.”
“This year, they’re doing it with significantly less resources,” Brown continued. “But by God, they’re doing it, and that’s what matters.”
Tickets for this year’s 4th Fest begin at $15 on the Spikes’ website, and parking is included. Spectators can pay $10 after 7 p.m. to park in designated lots near the stadium to watch the fireworks.
This story was originally published July 1, 2022 at 12:57 PM.
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