‘Allows the community to come together.’ Traditional events return to Central PA 4th Fest
After several years of a scaled down Central PA 4th Fest, crowds showed up Tuesday for all of the traditional events that took place before the COVID-19 pandemic.
That means the 4K race, the parade through downtown State College, free hot dogs, performances and more near the Bryce Jordan Center before Tuesday night’s fireworks show.
Ken and Beth Raney from State College were at the parade in 2019, the last time it was held.
“COVID had a devastating effect on the community, of course,” Ken Raney said. “The volunteers and folks who put it on need to be commended for their stick-to-it-ness — or whatever you want to call it,” he added.
“It’s a great event — it allows the community to come together.”
But Tom and Connie Pattison drove up from Johnstown and said they were disappointed by this year’s festivities. Executive Director Celesta Powell recently told the CDT that the event featured a smaller footprint due to a sharp decrease in volunteers since pre-pandemic 4th Fests.
“There used to be stages set up, and a full orchestra back there,” Tom Pattison said, gesturing to the far side of Beaver Stadium.
Plenty of people were still enjoying food from various vendors outside of Beaver Stadium, taking refuge in the few shaded areas along Curtin Road.
Tammy Collins, who has lived in the State College area for many years, said that this year was better than last year.
“The parade was fun,” she said. Her daughter-in-law, Michelle, who was visiting with her husband from South Carolina, said that the parade was “nice for a small town-feel parade.”
“I love it,” said Shelly Ishler, who lives in Bellefonte. “There’s lots of opportunities for food and visiting — just like tailgating here at Beaver Stadium!”
Meka and Ben Hornberger had set up their own folding chairs and said that they were enjoying the “chill” and “laid back” nature of the event.
“It depends on if we’re around next year,” said Meka Hornberger. “But we’ll probably be back.”
