Masontown’s Fourth of July celebration offers variety
MASONTOWN – Organizers of the Fourth of July celebration in Masontown say this year’s event ill offer something for everyone. Kris Kelly, chairwoman of the Masontown Fourth of July Committee, said committee members have been meeting for several months to plan the fun-filled celebration.
“We’re going to have a variety of activities going on all day,” Kelly said, noting that the family event is free and open to the public.
The all-day event will take place Friday at German-Masontown Park and will begin at 9:45 a.m. when Boy Scouts Troop 654 raises the American flag.
Shortly following, Masontown Rotary Club will hold its annual races for children 12 and younger from 10 to 11:30 a.m. A variety of races will be held, including dashes, sack and three-legged. Every child who participates will be eligible to win a new bicycle and helmet.
A bocce tournament will begin at 10 a.m., followed by the Little Knights All-Stars Baseball game at 11:30 a.m. There also will be a bicycle-decorating contest from 1 to 1:45 p.m. and a baked apple pie contest from 5 to 5:45 p.m. Both contests will award a $50 prize.
In addition, children ages 12 and younger are invited to participate in a coloring contest from noon to 2 p.m. for a $25 prize.
The Fourth of July Pet Parade, a new event added to this year’s celebration, will take place from 1 to 1:30 p.m. A $10 gift card to a local pet store will be awarded to the owners who have the most talented pet, most obedient pet, largest pet and smallest pet. Prizes also will be awarded to the pet with the best costume and to the pet that looks most like its owner.
People are encouraged to bring their pets for vaccinations prior to the parade. Rabies shots will be given for $8 and distemper combination shots for $12 from noon to 1 p.m. Owners also can have an identification chip placed in their pet for $25.
As for musical entertainment, 12-year-old drumming prot?g? William Fowler will take the stage from noon to 12:30 p.m. and will be followed by “The Vibrations,” who will perform polka music and oldies from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Sarah Kennedy will play the keyboard from 7 to 8 p.m. and will be followed by “Quiet Storm” performing from 8:15 to 10:15 p.m.
Other activities include “Jelly Bean” the clown, who will be on the grounds from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. passing out balloons to children.
Master magician Chuck Caputo will begin his performance at 3:30 p.m. and will mingle with the crowd following the show, performing slight-of-hand tricks.
Face painting will occur from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., followed by a free petting zoo and pony rides from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. In addition, MPM Studios will perform a puppet show from 11:30 to 11:45 a.m. Hoon’s Martial Arts Academy will sponsor a martial arts exhibition from 2:30 to 3:15 p.m.
An inflatable rock climbing wall, bungee cord obstacle course and bouncing area will be available for children at no cost from noon to 8 p.m.
Throughout the day, disc jockey “Dusty Joe” will spin records, and the volleyball and tennis courts will be open. Food vendors and game booths also will be at the park.
Kelly said everyone – Masontown and area residents – are invited to the park for the Fourth of July celebration, noting that overflow parking will be available at the Masontown Volunteer Fire Hall. A shuttle bus will run to and from the park every 15 to 20 minutes, she said.
On behalf of the Masontown Fourth of July Committee, Kelly thanked all the businesses, civic organizations, nonprofit groups and individuals that donated to this year’s celebration.
Fireworks will begin at dusk.
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