Central PA 4th Fest was well underway on Tuesday as thousands crowded State College to celebrate the 4th of July.
Central PA 4th Fest is the largest 4th of July Celebration in Pennsylvania known for its impressive fireworks show. Since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, 4th fest was scaled back to just a fireworks show but this year, organizers say, the fest was back in its original form.
“As the community knows we were able to put on firework shows for the last three years but this is the first time we’ve had the opportunity to get together as a community and we’re really excited that we can do that," said Charles Gable, Vice President of Central PA 4th Fest. “The crowds today are really testament to that. The parade downtown this afternoon was huge. I’ve never seen crowds larger, including the crowds in 2019.”
The fest was able to bring back some traditional fan favorites, like a huge cake that’s distributed to the crowds as well as live music and vendors. Organizers say none of this would be possible without the help of volunteers from the community.
“We can only do this show with the community," said Celesta Powell, Executive Director of Central PA 4th Fest. "So, that means coming out for a couple of hours, giving us a couple of bucks, if everyone put in ten dollars this would never be a problem to put on this show. So, to let everybody know that we need them just as much as they seem to need this show.”
Many volunteer groups keep a portion of the profits to support their causes. Powell tells us it’s a boost to not only the local economy but also morale.
“It brings us back to things that we were really used to prior to 2020," said Powell. "I think that people have been desperate for it to return because it was such a regular part of their life."
Central PA 4th Fest is already looking for volunteers for next year’s fest starting in August.
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