4th of July celebrations planned around county

Intelligencer Journal
Lancaster New Era

Jul 03, 2009 08:45 EST

Lancaster

By KATHLEEN DAMINGER, Staff Writer

Of course there's fireworks aplenty during this weekend's 4th of July celebrations. That's to be expected.

But who knew Independence Day would give folks the opportunity to hear so much — and such varied — live music?

We're not talking about the annual Freedom Fest at Marion Court. That's a whole other story. (And we have it on page...).

But music has permeated the festivities all around the county this weekend — with everything from performers paying tribute to Simon and Garfunkel and Elton John to bands playing rock and roll to traditional patriotic bands.

The music is just part of the fun as communities get ready to enjoy festivals, games, food and spectacular fireworks displays to celebrate the birth of one nation under God, with liberty and justice for all.

Here's a roundup of the activities taking place.

Lititz is probably the most happening town this weekend with two days of activities culminating with Saturday's fireworks at 10 p.m.

On Friday, the Lititz Lions Club will once again host the annual parade at 6:30 p.m. Beginning on North Broad Street near Wilbur Chocolate, the parade will follow a two-mile route through town ending at the starting point.

Following the parade, the band Flamin' Dick and the Hot Rods returns to the band shell at Lititz Springs Park for a free evening of entertainment. Food will be available.

On Saturday, the fun begins when the gates to the park open at 11 a.m. beginning the town's 192nd Fourth of July Celebration.

Old-fashioned family games and contests start right away with a sack race, candy scramble and pie eating contest among the fun.

Music for the day includes performances by Cinder Hill (1 p.m.), New Line Review (3 p.m.) Al & Jon (Simon and Garfunkel tribute, 5 and 7:15 p.m.), Lititz Community Band (6 p.m.) and Bennie & the Jets (Elton John tribute at 7:30 p.m.)

Other popular activities include a baby parade at 2:10 p.m., , Queen of Candles Pageant at 9 p.m. and the Grand Illuminations of Candles at 9:30 p.m.

Admission for the day is $8 in advance or $10 at the gate for adults, and $4 for kids 2 to 10. Visit www.lititzspringspark.org .

Another Lancaster County favorite is the fireworks and music at Long's Park, happening Sunday at 7:30 p.m. this year.

Charlie Smithgall will be back with his cannon brigade and the 257th Army Band will provide the patriotic music.

The performance is part of the 47th annual free summer concert series sponsored by the Long's Park Amphitheater Foundation.

Bring lawn chairs or blankets for comfortable listening — and viewing. Because following the performance, fireworks will light up the sky.

Food will be available at the free event. For details, call 735-8883 or visit www.longspark.org .

A low key, family-friendly celebration happens right in the center of Lancaster during the Musser Park Old Fashioned 4th of July Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The annual free event includes food, games, crafts and entertainment.

While you're there, you might want to take a ride on the "Musser Park Express," and take in the flag raising ceremony celebrating America's independence.

For details, call 399-7977 or visit www.musserpark.org.

Fireworks, music and water all combine to create a jaw-dropping display at Longwood Gardens Fireworks and Fountains show happening Saturday at 9:15 p.m.

This display has the theme of "Founder's Favorites," featuring the favorite music of Longwood's founder Pierre DuPont.

Tickets, if available, are $45 for adults and $18 for children 15 and under. If you miss out on this one, other displays are scheduled for Aug. 8, Sept. 6 and Sept. 19.

For tickets or info, call (610) 388-1000 ext. 100 or visit www.longwoodgardens.org .

You can start your 4th with a bang with the annual 5-mile Ephrata Firecracker Run beginning at 8:30 a.m. at Ephrata War Memorial Field. A two-mile fun run will also be held. Registration takes place from 6:30 to 8 a.m. and costs $11.

That night, when you're rested, you can enjoy free fireworks at Lincoln Heights Outdoor Recreation Area, Joann and Crescent Aves. The show starts at 9:30 p.m.

In Mountville you can enjoy fireworks by the pool Saturday evening in Froelich Park. There will be music by a DJ and the pool will be open before and after the sky-lighting show. Admission is free.

 

Don't look for 4th of July activities in Columbia this weekend. That river town decided to host five days of celebrations beginning Tuesday night.

Columbia Consolidated Fire Company, 10th and Mifflin sts., will be the site of a nightly carnival, held from 6 to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, July 10. A special-effects show with live music and fireworks will be held at 9 p.m. that Friday.

On Saturday, July 11, the carnival opens at 5 p.m. and culminates with another fireworks display around 10:15 p.m.

Not everyone who's not a motorhead realizes this, but every year Buck Motorsports Park hosts its own fireworks display. This year it takes place on the 4th.

Of course it's held in conjunction with its 35th annual Independence Day Grand Demolition Derby. So if you're partial to demo, check out the popular event which starts at 7 p.m. (but gates open at 5 p.m.)

Tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for kids 5 to 12. Call 859-4244 or 284-2139 or visit www.buckmotorsports.com for details.

And what could be more American than taking in a baseball game on the 4th of July?

The Lancaster Barnstormers will be taking on the York Revolution Saturday night at 6:30 at Clipper Magazine Stadium.

Since the game will be followed by fireworks, you'll get a double dose of patriotism.

Advance tickets are $5 for lawn seating, $8 for field seating and $10 for dugout box seating. If you get tickets on game day, add $1.

For details, call 509-HITS or visit www.lancasterbarnstormers.com .


E-mail: kdaminger@lnpnews.com