Organizers prepare for Walkfest and 4th Fest events

Add Millheim Walkfest of Arts and Music and Central PA 4th Fest to the list of events that look to make this summer festival season one of the biggest ones yet in Centre County. Both events are set to kick off in the coming weeks, with some new looks and a lot of fun.

With Central PA Festival of the Arts, People’s Choice Festival and Philipsburg Heritage Days all set to return to in-person events this July, and other summer favorite events like the Historic Bellefonte Cruise, Grange Fair and Way Fruit Farm’s Art in the Orchard going strong after successful events last year, this should be a summer to remember in Centre County.

MILLHEIM WALKFEST OF ARTS AND MUSIC

The second annual Millheim Walkfest will kick off June 24 in downtown Millheim.

The free, three-day event will feature live music on five stages, artists from all over central Pennsylvania and children’s activities.

Organizer Rebecca Larson said in a press release she hopes to build on the success of the 2021 event, which arose from the desire to safely connect with the community after local art festivals were canceled due to the pandemic.

“We started this event to get people back into the groove of creating and sharing their music, art and food with their community,” Larson said.

The main music stages will be located on the Millheim Fire Company grounds and at Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Park, where the pool is located.

Live music will also be hosted by Pisano Winery, Millheim Hotel, Elk Creek Cafe and Inglebean Cafe.In addition to local bands, about 30 artists from all over central Pennsylvania will exhibit and sell their wares. Food trucks and other local vendors will be on hand to provide refreshments.

Organizer, artist and roaming ukuleleist Karl Leitzel said the event is family friendly and “an opportunity to see and hear a diverse offering of art, music and food in a relaxed setting that’s pure smalltown Americana.”

Three local children’s authors will read from their books at the pool pavilion; the pool itself is expected to be open during the event. The Walkfest is also an opportunity to pick up some new reads at the Friends of the East Penns Valley Library summer book sale, set for Saturday and Sunday from 10 to 4 p.m. at the Millheim Fire Company.

The sale includes books for all ages and genres; look for great titles in fiction, bestsellers and a wide variety of non-fiction subjects. Leftover proceeds and donations will be divided between the Millheim Fire Company, East Penns Valley Library and the Millheim Pool. Last year’s event raised $1,000 for each of these essential services and community spaces.

“Being involved in the revitalization of Millheim has been an absolute joy, not only as an elected official, but as a member of the community,” said Millheim Borough Council member Robert Zeigler. “Penns Valley is full of folks who work hard and play hard and the Millheim Walkfest is an opportunity to celebrate the things we have in common: art, music, food and this beautiful place.”

CENTRAL PA 4TH FEST

For the second year in a row, the Central PA 4th Fest will be bringing the fireworks and fun to Medlar Field on July 4 for a celebration of independence.

Last year, the event moved to the stadium with a celebration following a State College Spikes game. This year a slate of entertainment will begin at 4 p.m. with the return of the Human Cannonball from “America’s Got Talent.” David Smith Jr. brings his record-setting act back to launch higher and farther than ever before in Happy Valley as he makes his first 4th Fest appearance since 2016. Smith will also kick off the holiday weekend and fly through the skies following the Spikes’ July 3 home game.

Also scheduled is plenty of live music from Southside Johnny, the Asbury Jukes and Jackie Brown and the Gill Street Band and local favorites Velveeta, on the onfield stage.

Additional 4th Fest activities include an array of fun for youngsters at the Geisinger Kids Zone in left field and a full lineup of food and beverage options across the ballpark throughout the night.

The roster of on-field activities will also include Kids Run the Bases presented by Mount Nittany Health and much more.

Fans can purchase their tickets now to enjoy all the pomp and pageantry of 4th Fest at Medlar Field, plus the exclusive viewing location for the fully choreographed fireworks display presented by Starfire Corporation.

Individual tickets for the Central PA 4th Fest celebration at the ballpark start at $15, with four-packs starting at $40. Larger groups can purchase 10-person Pepsi Picnic Pavilion picnic table packages for $100, with limited availability.

Air-conditioned luxury suites in the Geisinger Champions Club and other group hospitality areas are also available. For more information, or to purchase any of the available 4th Fest ticket packages, call the Spikes Ticket Office at (814) 272-1711, buy and download at StateCollegeSpikes.com or visit the Ticket Office in person during normal business hours.

Parking fees for attendees are included in the cost of your 4th Fest ticket, with parking available in three designated on-campus lots — Jordan East, Stadium West and Porter North. Parking for those without 4th Fest tickets will be available after 7 p.m. and will be charged $10 per vehicle, or complimentary with display of a valid PSU parking permit. There is no tailgating allowed within any parking area for this event.

“All of us are excited to bring the Central PA 4th Fest back to Medlar Field this July 4,” said Central PA 4th Fest President Kurt Weibel. “We’re proud to once again partner with the State College Spikes for a memorable 4th Fest experience that expands on last year and offers even more entertainment leading to a brilliantly choreographed fireworks display to cap off the festivities. With the array of activities within the ballpark, this offers a fantastic chance for Happy Valley residents of all ages to enjoy a 4th Fest experience as never before.”

“We cannot wait to welcome Happy Valley to Medlar Field at Lubrano Park, the exclusive viewing location for the Central PA 4th Fest Fireworks show,” said Spikes President and General Manager Scott Walker. “Our friends at 4th Fest have assembled a fantastic lineup of entertainment for fans all the way through the night and we are sure that there will be something for everybody to celebrate at the ballpark.”