Before the Fireworks, 4thFest Features More Family Fun

For the first time, this year’s Central PA 4thFest expanded to two days of entertainment and celebration.

After an evening of music and a carnival atmosphere on Sunday, 4thFest ushered in Independence Day on Monday with the Firecracker 4K and 4-mile run. Eric Marshall claimed the top time in the 4K and James Kinney took first in the 4-mile.

Following the afternoon parade through town and campus, the 4thFest grounds around Beaver Stadium, the Bryce Jordan Center and Medlar Field were packed with activities and entertainment for all ages.

Live music entertained from three stages, while the carnival midway was in full swing with games, rides and food. Shaver’s Creek had animals to see up close, and Dialed Action Sports put on BMX stunt shows throughout the afternoon and early evening.

State College Area Roller Derby entertained with a battle between the Punishers and Mayhem, and the Human Cannonball David ‘The Bullet’ Smith put on a pair of daredevil shots down Curtin Road.

Families had the opportunity to meet servicemen and women while exploring military vehicles. Operation Thank You also gave visitors the chance to sign thank you cards for troops and donate to mission kits.

It all led up to the fireworks show, widely regarded as one of the best in the nation year after year.

“We’ll put off more than 12,000 shells in 45 minutes this year, which is a phenomenal amount of lighting up the sky,’ 4thFest Executive Director Karl Libhart said. ‘We’ve been doing this for so long we sometimes take the fireworks for granted, but it’s still the primary reason people come to State College to hang out with us on the Fourth of July. It will be a spectacular show as always.”

Gray skies didn’t deter visitors from coming out for the pre-fireworks festivities. Early Monday evening there was a chance for rain in State College. Organizers said they planned to continue with the fireworks as scheduled, unless dangerous winds or lightning should occur.

‘Our intention will be to shoot the fireworks show on the 4th, even in inclement weather,’ organizers said in a statement. ‘The 4thFest has successfully launched the fireworks in mild rain to heavy downpours. With the audience in attendance and the fireworks field prepared to go, we will do everything within our control so you can enjoy the spectacular fireworks on the 4th of July. Should we incur lightning or strong winds, the show may be temporarily delayed until the weather passes, or to July 5th in the event of severe weather conditions.’

Check out our photo gallery for scenes from around 4thFest on Monday.