Independence Day Parade in State College Celebrates America’s 250th

While marking its own 99th anniversary, the annual Fourth of July parade in State College celebrated the United States’ 250th birthday on Saturday morning.

Lining up at 10 a.m. and stepping off at 11 a.m., about four dozen participating organizations, community leaders and entertainers rode and marched on a hot, sunny day. The parade traveled along College Avenue from Burrowes Road to Shortlidge Road as crowds of spectators lined the sidewalks.

For the first time, the parade was run under the auspices of a new, nonpartisan nonprofit organization. Freedom Rising USA was formed last fall by members of the Nittany American Legion Post 245, who previously organized the parade for the past three years when it was still under the banner of Central PA 4th Fest

As financial and volunteer personnel limitations for 4th Fest have continued in recent years, causing some alterations to the annual celebration this year, the Legion post and Commander D.J. Watkins agreed to take on sole responsibility for the parade. They formed Freedom Rising USA as a nonprofit to fundraise for the parade and to host other events that celebrate the traditions of American holidays and the values they represent, honor veterans and strengthen community bonds.

“We wanted to make it a place where people could in a nonpartisan way come and celebrate being American and celebrate our American holidays like Memorial Day, Veterans Day, Fourth of July,” Watkins said. “It’s been very successful so far.”

The State College Independence Day parade dates back to 1927, when Alpha Fire Company organized the town’s first Fourth of July celebrations. That holds a special connection for Watkins, whose grandfather helped organize the first parade.

“As a kid, I remember standing on Allen Street and watching the flags go by when they were walking,” Watkins said. “One of the World War I vets slapped me in the back of the head because I didn’t stand up. So it’s a great thing for me. I have a picture of my dad in the 1932 parade.”

Watkins expects next year’s 100th anniversary parade will pay homage to its community roots. But for 2026, the focus was celebrating America and its 250th anniversary as a community, without partisan divides.

“We’re totally nonpartisan and it’s a chance for people to celebrate how absolutely great it is to be an American,” Watkins said. “I am a retired Navy Special Operations officer and I’ve been all over the world, and I’ve seen a lot of governments that just don’t work. This place we’re in is just absolutely amazing. We want to celebrate America, celebrate the American holidays, honor our veterans and let people be happy to be an American because it’s such a great country.”

Independence Day events in State College were scheduled to continue with Central PA 4th Fest‘s festival at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park at 4 p.m., followed by the fireworks at 9:40 p.m.

Here’s a look at more of the parade from photographer Jeffrey Shomo.