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Bellefonte Independence Day Events Commemorate America’s 250th Birthday
An America 250 float travels down High Street in Bellefonte during the Independence Day parade on Friday, June 3, 2026. Photo by Geoff Rushton | StateCollege.com
Independence Day festivities returned to Bellefonte on Friday as the community celebrated the 250th anniversary of the United States.
Organized by Historic Bellefonte Inc. and Downtown Bellefonte Inc, the events kicked off with a parade that traveled from the high school, through downtown and ending at Talleyrand Park, with a theme of “Saluting Our Veterans.”
A dedication ceremony was held in the park for the newest Hometown Hero banners and community organizations hosted “Melting Pot Food Tastings”.
Near record heat couldn’t keep people away, as hundreds lined the streets for the parade before heading to the park.
Take a look at some of the sights from the parade.
Undine Fire Company members march on High Street in Bellefonte during the parade. Photo by Geoff Rushton | StateCollege.comMatthias and Elijah Brelo watch the Bellefonte Independence Day parade from Allegheny Street. Photo by Geoff Rushton | StateCollege.comBellefonte Mayor Buddy Johnson tosses candy to the crowd on High Street. Photo by Geoff Rushton | StateCollege.comLes Confer, a 92-year-old Korean War veteran, and his wife, Mary, ride in the Bellefonte Independence Day parade. Photo by Geoff Rushton | StateCollege.comVeterans of Foreign Wars members hold American, POW-MIA and VFW flags while riding in the parade. Photo by Geoff Rushton | StateCollege.comThe crowd watches as Logan Fire Company trucks make their way down High Street during the parade. Photo by Geoff Rushton | StateCollege.comState Rep. Kerry Benninghoff and Centre County Commissioner Steve Dershem ride in the parade. Photo by Geoff Rushton | StateCollege.comCentre County Commissioners Amber Concepcion and Mark Higgins throw candy t the crowd during the Bellefonte Independence Day parade. Photo by Geoff Rushton | StateCollege.comMs. Pennsylvania Senior America Tammy Miller, of State College, waves during the Bellefonte Independence Day parade. Photo by Geoff Rushton | StateCollege.comSmokey the Bear rides on the Nittany Wildland wildfire crew truck. Photo by Geoff Rushton | StateCollege.comSeveral parade entries honored Centre County veterans. Photos by Geoff Rushton | StateCollege.comA birthday cake float celebrates America’s 250th year. Photo by Geoff Rushton | StateCollege.comThe Nittany Highland Pipe Band performs during the Bellefonte Independence Day parade. Photo by Geoff Rushton | StateCollege.comM Twirling Team performs during the Bellefonte Independence Day parade. Photo by Geoff Rushton | StateCollege.comThe Tyrone Golden Grannies were festively attired for their appearance in the Bellefonte Independence Day parade. Photo by Geoff Rushton | StateCollege.comCentre County Dairy Princess Kimber Hough and Dairy Royalty Team members ride in the parade. Photo by Geoff Rushton | StateCollege.com The Nittany Dreamers Baton & Silk Corps performs in the Bellefonte Independence Day parade. Photo by Geoff Rushton | StateCollege.comCentre County Grange Fair Queen Grace Novosel rides in the Bellefonte Independence Day parade. Photo by Geoff Rushton | StateCollege.comMiss Bellefonte Kayla Leddy rides in the Independence Day parade. Photo by Geoff Rushton | StateCollege.comState House candidate Kirsten McTernan waves from a truck during the Bellefonte Independence Day parade. Photo by Geoff Rushton | StateCollege.comA float in the Bellefonte Independence Day parade reenacts Washington crossing the Delaware. Photo by Geoff Rushton | StateCollege.comState House candidate John Zangari rides in the Bellefonte Independence Day parade. Photo by Geoff Rushton | StateCollege.comDemocratic State Committeewoman Laura Shadle waves a flag and Centre County Controller Jason Moser tosses candy during the Bellefonte Independence Day parade. Photo by Geoff Rushton | StateCollege.comThe State College Radio Control Club’s float in the Bellefonte Independence Day parade featured large model planes. Photo by Geoff Rushton | StateCollege.comMembers of Dreams Baton Corps walk in the Bellefonte Independence Day parade. Photo by Geoff Rushton | StateCollege.comParade-goers watch as Bellefonte EMS vehicles line High Street during the Bellefonte Independence Day parade. Photo by Geoff Rushton | StateCollege.comPhoto by Geoff Rushton | StateCollege.com
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