4th Fest Organizers Planning a Different Way to Offer Fireworks Show This Year

Central PA 4th Fest’s usual Independence Day celebration may have been canceled because of COVID-19 concerns, but organizers will be providing an opportunity for residents to enjoy a Fourth of July fireworks show nonetheless.

The show will be four simultaneous fireworks displays, launched from four secure locations in the Centre Region, that residents will be able to see from their own neighborhoods.

‘The four shoot sites will be comprised of shells that can be seen from a distance and will be electronically linked for synchronization, while our special patriotic soundtrack will be broadcast via local radio,’ according to a 4th Fest news release on Tuesday night.

Lesley Kistner, public affairs specialist for the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau, said northwest, northeast, southeast and west locations are in the works.

‘These won’t be ground displays, and some shells will reach 1,000 feet, so the fireworks will be viewable throughout the Centre Region (and potentially a bit beyond) from those four shooting locations,’ Kistner wrote in an email. ‘All of the exact locations will be announced soon.’

For those who might not be familiar with local nomenclature, the Centre Region is comprised of State College Borough and College, Ferguson, Halfmoon, Harris and Patton townships.

The displays are expected to last 12 to 15 minutes and will begin at 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 4. Rain dates are July 3 and 5.

‘As we follow health guidelines, we want the community to celebrate our Independence Day in a safe and spectacular way,’ Frank Savino, executive director of 4th Fest, said in a release.

The displays are being funded by 4th Fest from emergency funds.

‘With heartfelt appreciation for the years of outstanding support from Centre Region, 4th Fest plans to pay-it-forward this July 4 by marshaling resources and providing central Pennsylvania with a spectacular 4th of July fireworks celebration for each and every family that can be enjoyed in their own neighborhoods,’ the news release said.