Need plans for the Fourth of July? Here are 5 celebrations to check out in Centre County
Several celebrations are planned throughout Centre County for the Fourth of July this year.
Between larger events, such as the Central PA 4th Fest, and events put on for smaller communities, there’s something in just about every corner of the county. The rest of July will be a busy month 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 Independence Day.
State College
The Central PA 4th Fest has plenty in store for people in and around State College. Events are held around Medlar Field at Penn State’s campus on the corner of Curtin and Porter roads, University Park.
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 day kicks off with the 4K firecracker race and car show. Vendors will open at noon and musical performances are scheduled throughout the day.
The parade is from 1-2:30 p.m. Other activities, such as a zipline, kids kingdom, BMX show and lumberjack demonstrations are planned throughout the afternoon. Free hot dogs will be available from 4-5:30 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, www.centralpa4thfest.org. Maps of the vendors, activities, 4K route, parade route and a timeline of the day are available at www.centralpa4thfest.org/maps.
Penns Valley
Over in Penns Valley, The Penns Valley Freedom Fest will be behind the Millheim fire hall on Thursday. A fireworks display will begin at dark and people are encouraged to bring blankets or chairs to watch. DJ Ricky LaPean will provide entertainment and the Penns Valley cheer team will have a food stand open at 5 p.m. with proceeds going toward new uniforms. A veterans presentation will be held at 7:30 p.m., where they’ll honor all veterans in attendance.
Osceola Mills
The Columbia Volunteer Fire Company’s 102nd annual firemen’s fair has already begun and will continue through July 6.
Tuesday is “kids day” from 5-7 p.m. with discounted bounce house passes, fire truck rides, face painting and more available. DJ Chris will provide entertainment from 7-10 p.m. Wednesday will have Morgans Run Band from 7-10 p.m.
On Thursday the grand parade will begin at 11 a.m. and the fairgrounds will be open during and after.
The Second Chance Band featuring Elvis Presley will perform 7-10 p.m. on Friday.
For the final night, Saturday, Hitchcock Railway Band will perform from 7-10 p.m. At 10 p.m., Kneppy’s fireworks display will begin at the ballfields.
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 the cost is $15/vehicle or $2/person walk-ins. Food trucks and a DJ will be part of the celebration, along with fireworks; more information will be posted online.
Howard
A community fireworks show will be on July 6, 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.
