STATE COLLEGE — I stepped into downtown State College early on Friday, July 4, for the 2025 Central PA 4th Fest, and the festive buzz was contagious. From sizzling grill stations to patriotic tunes, the community had rallied to deliver a day packed with fun, food, family and fireworks in celebration of Independence Day.
The day kicked off with the 21st annual Firecracker 4K run and walk, a high-energy tradition that drew tons of participants. Runners of all ages gathered together, sporting everything from full red-white-and-blue ensembles to casual joggers just looking for a fun morning workout.
The route wound through Penn State’s campus under a brilliant summer sun, while volunteers handed out water and cheered from the sidelines. For many, the race wasn’t about speed. It was about starting the holiday with purpose, community and a bit of cardio.
By midday, the air was thick with the aroma of barbecue, popcorn and grilled sausage. Food vendors lined the streets, serving everything from pulled pork sliders to rainbow snow cones.
The parade started rolling just before lunch, marching down College Avenue with color and pride.
Bands blared music while veterans, firefighters, local officials and youth groups waved from floats or walked the route. Children darted into the streets to scoop up candy. Some of the loudest cheers went to local heroes who received standing ovations from curbsides packed with lawn chairs and flags.
Throughout the afternoon, Medlar Field became a hotbed of music and action. One stage featured local bands pumping out covers and original songs while festivalgoers swayed and danced. Not far from Beaver Stadium, a BMX stunt show by Dialed Action Sports threw down gravity-defying flips, arial tricks and awe-inspiring stunts.
Over at the Jordan East Lot, the second annual Firecracker Car Show showcased more than 100 classic and custom rides. Hoods were popped, paint glistened and proud owners answered questions about their prized machines.
Kids had their own kingdom to explore. There was face painting, balloon animals, cartoon drawings and games galore. Volunteers were everywhere: setting up, cleaning up, refilling water coolers, guiding guests, emptying garbage and offering directions with a smile. Their presence stitched the entire event together and is the lifeblood behind 4th Fest.
Inside Medlar Field, the Centre County Baseball League All-Stars and the North Branch Baseball League All-Stars participated in America’s favorite sport. Fans enjoyed ice cream while hoping to catch a fly ball. There were singles, doubles and lots of scores, making the game a true home run.
As the sun dipped low and the sky turned dark, the crowd turned toward the finale. At approximately 9:45 p.m., the lights grew dim and the fireworks began.
For over 30 straight minutes, the sky above State College exploded in color. The fireworks were perfectly choreographed to a soundtrack that echoed from the speakers, each burst drawing gasps and cheers. Families held each other close. Kids stared wide-eyed, in awe over the sky’s wonderous glory. Phones lit up the field as fans tried to capture the exploding magic.
Behind the scenes, the numbers told a deeper story. Every ticket, T-shirt sale and donation made the celebration possible. In an era when funding for community events is far from guaranteed, the turnout and energy spoke volumes.
Central PA 4th Fest isn’t just a fireworks show or a parade. It’s a reflection of what happens when a community comes together to celebrate not only a country, but each other. From the pulse of the Firecracker 4K to the final boom over Medlar Field, this was Independence Day done right — homegrown, heartfelt and unforgettable.
