Fourth of July celebrations on tap
Thomas Jefferson was right about the American way of celebrating Independence Day because on the Fourth of July there will be illuminations from one end of the continent to the other.
Many area residents won’t have to go far to see fireworks as well as enjoy all the “pomp and parade” associated with the holiday.
For the physically fit and those worried about working off the calories from consuming hot dogs and hamburgers at family picnics, the day will kick off with two longstanding road races.
The 39th annual Brentwood Firecracker 5-kilometer race starts at 9 a.m. The out-and-back run travels the parade route along Brownsville Road.
The 38th annual Whiskey Rebellion 5K run and walk starts at 7:30 a.m. on the track at Canonsburg Memorial Stadium. Registration fee is $32 on July 4 and accepted from 5 to 6:45 a.m.
Brentwood and Canonsburg will both host parades that step off at 10 a.m.
The Brentwood event will feature the Bethel Park state championship baseball team (see related story). Grand marshals will be the community’s essential workers.
Bobby Shawn will be the grand marshal of the renowned Canonsburg Parade. A lifelong resident, Shawn is a singer, entertainer, recording artist, and emcee.
The Canonsburg parade begins at Cavasina Drive and proceeds onto Pike Street and ends at Bluff Street.
After the parade, spectators and residents can cool off at Town Park Pool. Admission is free and hours are from noon to 6 p.m.
While food and beverages will be available for purchase at the concession stand, there will be free inflatables, rock climbing and face painting offered.
The SNPJ Button Box and the Tom Terling Band will provide live entertainment at 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. respectively at the Main Pavilion.
A Zambelli fireworks display will light up the Canonsburg skies at 10 p.m. However, the stadium will be closed for viewing this year.
MT. LEBANONMt. Lebanon has an action-packed day planned for July 4 in the township’s main park.
Activities begin at noon with games, a petting zoo and pony rides for children.
All-star athletic contests run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The outdoor swim center will be open from noon until 7 p.m.
Those coming to the park for festivities should note that the recreation center’s parking lot will be closed. Only handicap parking is permitted with official permits.
The outdoor basketball courts will turn into a stage at 7:30 p.m. when the pop/rock band, The Brighton Boys, perform.
Fireworks cap off the day’s events at 9:30 p.m.
Rain date for the concert and fireworks is July 5.
DORMONTSwimming, music and fireworks are on the menu for Dormont Day being celebrated on the Fourth of July.
The pool will be open from noon to 5 p.m. Parking will be limited and the lot cleared for preparations for a concert.
The Evan Dean Band will perform from 6 to 7:15 p.m.
Dormont’s own Joe Grushecky & The Houserockers will take the stage around 8 p.m.
Fireworks will begin at 9:30 p.m. or dark.
Food, including hot dogs, cool treats and Kona Ice, will be available for purchase.
UPPER ST. CLAIRUpper St. Clair will again join with South Fayette for a Fourth of July fireworks display launched from a hill in Fairview Park located at 129 Greenwood Dr.
Fireworks begin around 9:30 p.m. on July 4.
The free display can be viewed from various areas around the township, as well as from the Community and Recreation Center.
Parking is available at the Community and Recreation Center, 1551 Mayview Rd., Upper St. Clair. Limited parking will be available inside Fairview Park.
Upper St. Clair residents should also be aware that trash and recycling collection will be delayed one day due to the holiday.
Additionally, the library and township offices will be closed on the Fourth of July.
The Community and Recreation Center’s outdoor pool will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The indoor facility will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. No group classes will be offered on the holiday.
OTHER DISPLAYSA fireworks display will begin at approximately 9:31 p.m. depending upon lighting and weather on July 4 at Scott Park.
Carnegie will set off fireworks after sunset on July 3 in the community park.
The city of Pittsburgh’s fireworks display will begin at 9:35 p.m. The light display should last 25 minutes.
A full day of activities is planned for Point State Park.
The day starts with a flag-raising ceremony at Fort Pitt Museum followed by family-friendly events from 1 to 4 p.m.
At 4 p.m. there will be face painting and games along with Summer Soul Line Dancing and live music from Squonk, River City Brass and the East Winds Symphonic Band.
Concessions will be available throughout the park.
MORE ACTIVITIESPicnics and fireworks are not the only thing on tap this Fourth of July.
Fans of America’s favorite pastime can take in a baseball game at PNC Park during the extended holiday weekend.
The Pittsburgh Pirates host the Milwaukee Brewers from June 30 to July 3 and the New York Yankees on July 5 and 6.
Kennywood offers an array of activities to celebrate Independence Day with its seven roller-coasters, including the Steel Curtain, and dozens of other rides.
The Fourth of July celebrations starting July 1 through Independence Day feature the park rides as well as live music, magic acts, hot dog eating contest and the annual Weiner 100 dachshund race. A laser show and fireworks display cap the evening’s activities.
Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village will host a historic Fourth of July with special activities.
The affiliate museum of the Senator John Heinz History Center, Meadowcroft is the oldest known site of human habitation in North America.
Celebrate the spirit of America on July 3 with historical demonstrations and period games at Meadowcroft’s 18th-century frontier and 19th-century rural village.
Throughout the day, visitors can also explore the prehistoric wonders of the Meadowcroft Rockshelter.
FREE CONCERTThe Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra will perform at 8:15 p.m. July 2 in the South Park Amphitheater, located at 3700 Farmshow Dr.
Food trucks, Black Dog Winery and Hop Farm Brewing Co. craft beer will be on-site at all concerts starting at 6 p.m.
All concerts take place rain or shine at the open-air facility, which has no covered seating.
Folding chairs are permitted as are dogs, but pets must remain on leashes at all times and be up-to-date on all vaccinations and licensing. Owners must clean up after their dogs.