Rockets red glare!
Communities throughout region will celebrate Fourth with fireworks, festivities
Fireworks have been a part of Fourth of July celebrations since the first time Independence Day was commemorated on July 4, 1777.
Both Boston and Philadelphia shot off fireworks that day, and in the 249 years since, fireworks and the Fourth of July have been tightly bound together. With the exception of the years World War II was being fought and COVID-19 was raging, cities and towns both large and small have had fireworks displays on July 4 or the days around it.
This year, bombs will be bursting in the air and the rockets will have a red glare in communities throughout the region to celebrate the 250th anniversary of America’s independence. Here are some of the places where fireworks and other festivities have been scheduled:
Belle Vernon
On Friday and Saturday, Belle Vernon is hosting “Let Freedom Ring in Belle Vernon!” On Friday, activities begin at 8:30 p.m. and the movie “The Sandlot” will be screened at dusk. Complimentary popcorn will be available. The rain location will be at the Belle Vernon Social Hall. Then, on Saturday, there will be a decorated bike and wagon parade, Little Firecracker contest, sack races, patriotic music and more. At 2 p.m., bells will ring 13 times in honor of the original 13 colonies.
Bentleyville
The borough is having its annual Fourth of July celebration and car show Saturday from noon to 10 p.m. at the Richardson Park Civic Center. There will be a bounce house, caricature artist, petting zoo and dunk tank, and fireworks will be set off at dusk.
Brownsville
A Fourth of July celebration will be at Patsy Hillman Park Friday, with gates opening at 5 p.m. The band the Classics will start playing at 6 p.m., and food vendors and a face painting booth will be there. Fireworks start at dusk. Donations will be accepted at the gate.
Canonsburg
July 4 is arguably the most important day on Canonsburg’s calendar, thanks to its annual parade, which draws thousands of spectators every year and has some particularly zealous parade watchers putting chairs on Pike Street’s sidewalks days in advance. The parade starts at 10 a.m. Saturday. It will be preceded by the Whiskey Rebellion 5K Run and Walk, which starts at the Canon-McMillan School District’s stadium at 7:30 a.m. After the parade, there will be free rock climbing, face painting, a giant slide and more in Canonsburg Town Park, until 6 p.m. Gates will open at the stadium at 7:30 p.m. for fireworks that will start at 9:45 p.m.
Carmichaels
Celebrations will be at Carmichaels’ Town Square and Wana B Park on Friday and Saturday. A Stars and Strides 5K run is planned, and there will be a car cruise-in, live music, fireworks and more. Fireworks will be Friday in Wana B Park.
Connellsville
Fireworks are set for 10 p.m. Friday at city hall, and it will be the finale of Connellsville’s annual “Red, White and Boom!” event. A car show will be in downtown Connellsville starting at 3 p.m. Live entertainment will be provided by the Lost Years, Back in the Groove and the Cash Out Band.
Masontown
Masontown will be celebrating Independence Day and its 150th anniversary Friday and Saturday at Masontown-German Park. There will be live music, children’s activities, food trucks, a 5K race, a hot dog eating contest and a pie contest. The movie “The Sandlot” will be shown at 9 p.m. Friday, and a kickball tournament is also planned.
Monongahela
The Monongahela Area Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a fireworks display at the Noble J. Dick Aquatorium at 9:30 p.m. Saturday. A rain date is set for Sunday. Food trucks and vendors will be on hand.
North Franklin Township
The Washington Wild Things are hosting “Red, White and Wild” at EQT Park starting at 4 p.m. Friday. Local musicians will be performing, as will the Washington Symphony Orchestra. A fireworks show is set for dusk.
South Fayette Township and Upper St. Clair
South Fayette Township and Upper St. Clair will be having their joint fireworks presentation Saturday at 9:30 p.m. at Fairview Park.
South Union Township
The municipal golf course in South Union Township will have fireworks Thursday along with games, a bounce house, live music, raffles and more. It gets underway at 5 p.m.
Washington
The annual “Spark in the Park” Fourth of July celebration will be in Washington Park Saturday. It starts at 11 a.m., and the day will include live music, food trucks, a children’s area, swimming, and fireworks at dusk.
Waynesburg
“4th-A-Palooza” in downtown Waynesburg starting at 5 p.m. Friday will have live music, family-friendly activities, a pie-eating contest, food vendors and a fireworks display. On Saturday in Waynesburg Lions Club Community Park, there will be a pancake breakfast, Little Miss Firecracker pageant, a classic car show and a fireworks display,
West Alexander
West Alexander Fairgrounds will open at 3 p.m. Saturday for an afternoon and evening of food, music and fireworks. No pets or outside fireworks are permitted, though handheld sparklers are allowed.