UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Once again this year, Penn State will host one of the largest pyrotechnic events in the country.
It takes more than 600 volunteers and approximately 13,000 man-hours, working year round, to pull together what the Travel Channel has called “one of the best fireworks displays in the world.”
While the fireworks — beginning around 9:15 p.m. on July 4 on the University Park campus of Penn State — may be the main attraction of the day at the Central PA 4thFest, there are many other events and activities surrounding this celebration of the United States’ Independence Day.
The day’s events get cracking at 9 a.m. on July 4 with the Firecracker 4K and 4-mile races. Registration begins the day of the races at 7:30 a.m. in front of the Bryce Jordan Center on campus.
Parade
The Heroes Parade will be held again this year to honor those who have sacrificed so much to help make our lives better. The parade will begin in front of the State College Municipal Building from 2 until about 3:30 p.m.
The parade route is: north on South Allen Street to East College Avenue; east on East College Avenue to Shortlidge Road; north on Shortlidge Road to Pollock Road; east on Pollock Road to Bigler Road; north on Bigler Road to Curtin Road; east on Curtin Road and ending near the Bryce Jordan Center.
Entertainment
There will be no shortage of entertainment during 4thFest. Three stages — Centre Stage, Towne Square Stage and BJC Lawn Acoustic Stage — will be simultaneously hopping with a variety of musical acts.
“We have really stepped up the music this year with more variety — country, polka, Dixieland, R&B, doo wop and classic rock,” said Karl Libhart, executive director of the Central PA 4thFest.
Along with many local bands and singers, country singer Adley Stump will give a preview of her musical talent, which she will later showcase during Happy Valley Jam on Saturday, July 8. The complete entertainment schedule is available online.
Other features of the 2017 4thFest event include Appalachian Arts Studio, State College Area Roller Derby and Dialed Action Sports.
Admission to the Central PA 4thFest is free, but a $10-per-car donation is requested for general admission parking.
VIP passes are available for fireworks viewing and parking. These passes allow visitors admission to the VIP viewing area for the best view of the ground-level fireworks display that complements the overhead experience.
For more information on the event, go to http://www.4thfest.org/