Central PA 4th Fest is returning to an all-day celebration and bringing back some of its most popular events after three years of changes and downsizing brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic and declining numbers of volunteers.
The annual Independence Day celebration in State College and on the Penn State campus will see the return of the 4th Fest parade, the Firecracker 4k run and walk, live music, a host of family-friendly activities and what organizers said on Tuesday “will officially be the largest fireworks display in Pennsylvania,” with several options for viewing.
Also for the first time since 2019, tailgating will be permitted in lots around Medlar Field.
“We are so excited to once again present the 4th Fest celebration in a manner that residents of our community and visitors remember prior to the pandemic,” said Celesta Powell, who took on the role of 4th Fest executive director in September.
Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, 4th Fest offered fireworks shows from four satellite locations in 2020 and smaller events were held inside Medlar Field in 2021 and 2022.
This year’s festival will kickoff with the first Firecracker 4k since 2019 in the morning and the Independence Day parade through downtown State College and campus expected to start at 1 p.m., Powell said.
Inside Medlar Field, VIP seating with tiered pricing based on seat level will include performances by multiple bands, stadium food vendors and, of course, the best view of the fireworks show. Pricing and bands are still to be announced
A ticket presale will begin on April 4 through the State College Spikes ticket office. Check the Central PA 4th Fest website , Spikes website or call the Spikes Box office at 814-272-1711 for updates.
“When Medlar Field offered us the opportunity when all of the restrictions were occurring, that made that a very nice place for a VIP viewing area,” Powell said. “Medlar Field will be back and that will have a cost, but there’s a lot of tiers to it. Our goal was really to make it affordable, so when you go into Medlar Field depending on where you sit, there will be a price point. There’s three levels in there… Medlar Field’s going to have some music, and then some really comfortable seats, with some great bathrooms and their food vendors and some really great spots to watch the fireworks.”
Outside, the parking area near Medlar Field that in past years was the VIP area will be designated preferred parking, with parking also available in the Porter North and Jordan East lots, as well as additional field lots still to be finalized. And Powell confirmed that attendees will be able to spend the day tailgating.
“It’s always assumed the fireworks will happen. But the two biggest questions are ‘will you have a parade and will be there be tailgating?’ Yes and yes,” Powell said, adding that interest in participating in the parade has been high.
The public area around Porter and Curtin roads will feature food trucks, vendors, activities and performances, Powell said. As in past years, events at Medlar Field and around the stadium will begin after the parade ends.
A carnival will not be part of the activities this year due to cost and the need for volunteers as the festival continues to rebuild, Powell said.
“Traditionally, to operate the Central PA 4th Fest you need about 300 volunteers,” she said. “COVID really altered that. You didn’t need them and then you didn’t know what you were doing and things modify themselves. Right now we were happy enough to be able to have the space for the event. It took us awhile to get all of that in the right place. So this year there will not be a carnival simply because it’s a lot more rules, a lot more people, a lot more funding.
“It’s baby steps. We didn’t plan to bring it back full force but we wanted to bring it back as community-oriented as it possibly could be. This is step one. You don’t want to take anything away; you only want to get bigger. So we’ll see what next year does, but this year we’ve got the good stuff.”
4th Fest is a volunteer-run, nonprofit event. Organizers said the last two years that the declining number of longtime volunteers played a role in the downsizing of the festival.
That number has not rebounded yet, but Powell is hopeful and she and the 4th Fest board will be working hard to recruit volunteers. Those interested in volunteering, registering for the parade or sponsoring 4th Fest can contact Powell at centralpa4thfest@gmail.com or 814-470-5955.
“Ideally, my hope is that when it comes back the people who have always been committed to it return as well,” she said.
She added that 4th Fest is possible and has become a success because of community support.
“This event is not a one person show. It is only possible with our community’s support and partnerships,” she said. “We are honored to partner with The Pennsylvania State University, community volunteers, and our generous sponsoring organizations, as well as the State College Spikes organization. I would also like to highlight the volunteer board of directors and committee, their dedication to this event is undaunted. The Central PA 4th Fest is only as successful as the community allows us to be, and I am convinced that our powerful community will bring forth an outstanding day for everyone.”
4th Fest’s return to a larger event is a positive for the community, Powell said, noting that it was three years ago this week when shutdowns were put into place at the onset of the pandemic.
“Three years ago we had no idea what was happening the next day,” she said. “The 4th Fest can say in confidence that we know in a little more than 100 days we are going to put on a community event that we all feel good about.”
