Big changes, same celebration: Central PA 4th Fest returns for nation’s 250th year
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- Activities and concessions will remain inside Medlar Field
- Organizers kept the fireworks unchanged and scheduled them to begin about 9 p.m.
- The volunteer-run nonprofit faces rising costs, including a roughly $150,000 fireworks bil
State College’s beloved Independence Day event, Central PA 4th Fest, is poised to host another celebration for the nation’s 250th anniversary this year with a few changes that organizers say were adjustments to keep the festivities running.
Central PA 4th Fest Executive Director Celesta Powell said changes focused on making the event smaller and more centralized are necessary adjustments based on trends from previous years, available volunteer support and ongoing budget constraints, ensuring the nonprofit event remains financially sustainable.
“The whole day has changed based on what people are attending, donating to, or volunteering for. That’s where we put our money and our time,” she said.
The 25-year-old festival has long been a cherished tradition for State College residents, who look forward each year to a full day of festivities culminating in a fireworks display that lights up the northeastern corner of Penn State’s campus.
Previous celebrations featured a 4K race, live music, BMX demonstrations and a parade. This year’s lineup will similarly include a Firecracker 4K run at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park, along with a downtown State College parade led by the Nittany American Legion Post 245 and Freedom Rising USA, a Centre County nonprofit that celebrates American holidays, promotes patriotism, and supports veterans and community events.
However, instead of continuing the festivities on the streets and lots near Medlar Field at Lubrano Park and Beaver Stadium, there will be a break until 4 p.m., resuming as a centralized event at Medlar Field.
Curtin Road will remain open and the typical parking-area festivities will be paused, shifting the focus to a more contained experience.
Lots closest to the ballpark such as Porter North, Jordan East and Stadium West will open at 9 a.m. for people who attend early and want to set up their own activities, Powell said.
The event will focus on free children’s activities, nonprofit pop-ups and concessions available inside the ballpark. The fireworks display will remain unchanged, beginning around 9 p.m. and lasting about 28-30 minutes.
Although admission to the ballpark will be free, organizers are considering a nominal fee for reserved seating inside the stadium, Powell said.
As an independent, volunteer-run nonprofit, the organization has found it increasingly difficult to afford the festival, Powell said, noting that the fireworks display alone costs around $150,000. When factoring in venue rentals, facilities and emergency personnel, the event ultimately operates at a loss.
They aim to cover costs through parking fees and donations. A lack of volunteers has been a recurring issue in the past, and they are still needed for this year’s event, Powell said, especially for the kids’ area.
Despite the challenges to maintain the festival, Powell strives to lead it as long as she is able.
“All of my family members are veterans from war, and I was always taught that the Fourth of July was a holiday that we were all proud of,” she said. “That’s why I chose to be involved year after year to put this out into the community.”
She explained that the event has evolved over time — from being organized by the State College Rotary as “The Great American Fourth of July” to what is now Central PA 4th Fest — and will likely continue to change in the future.
The organization is always looking for donations, sponsorships, and volunteers, said Powell. Individuals who want to support can visit the Central PA 4th Fest website to learn about involvement opportunities.
