Celebrate Independence Day with these parades, parties and picnics around Centre County

Bret Pallotto
·3 min read

There’s no shortage of places in Centre County to celebrate Independence Day in the state where one of the most important documents in the country’s history was adopted.

Some events are in premier places like downtown State College, while others are in rural places like Julian or Colyer. Here are five events in Centre County over the Fourth of July weekend, as well as one in neighboring Clearfield County.

Parade in Bellefonte

5 p.m. Saturday, Bellefonte

The Logan Fire Company’s Independence Day parade is set to start at the Bellefonte Area High School and makes its way to Talleyrand Park. Floats, decorated vehicles and walking groups are all expected to be part of the bash.

More than 10,000 pieces of candy — weighing in at about 100 pounds — will fly through the air.

Fire trucks, Boy Scouts, twirlers and more participate in the Logan Fire Company parade in Bellefonte in 2016.
Fire trucks, Boy Scouts, twirlers and more participate in the Logan Fire Company parade in Bellefonte in 2016.

A block party in Julian

4:15 p.m. Sunday, 659 Beaver Road

Hall’s is set to turn Julian into a “party town for a day.”

The business’ 16th annual fireworks display and celebration is set to feature several food vendors, as well as a disk jockey. Personal grills and tailgating is permitted; alcohol and personal fireworks are not.

Admission is $10 per vehicle.

Kids on Wheels Parade

9:30-10:30 a.m. Monday, downtown State College

Centre Region Parks and Recreation’s annual parade starts at 10 a.m. at the intersection of Locust Lane and Foster Avenue. It ends at Sidney Friedman Park. People of all ages can bring decorated bikes, scooters, strollers and wagons.

A parade and picnic at Colyer Lake

10 a.m. Monday, boat launch on Lake Road

The serene Colyer community nestled in Potter Township has put on an Independence Day celebration all its own for more than two decades. People in Penns Valley show up like clockwork every year.

The parade begins at 10 a.m. A picnic will follow at 314 High St. Would-be guests were asked to bring a covered dish. Hot dogs, pulled pork, rolls, water and tableware are provided.

“The Colyer Lake parade is unique in its own way,” township resident Jesse Darlington wrote in a text message. “You will see the old cars and firetrucks like most, but (what) you will really see is a day of fun that the community of Colyer comes together to produce a fun parade to celebrate Independence Day.”

Colyer Lake is a favorite year-round destination in Centre County for anglers, hikers, mountain bikers and birdwatchers.
Colyer Lake is a favorite year-round destination in Centre County for anglers, hikers, mountain bikers and birdwatchers.

A centennial celebration in Osceola Mills

11 a.m. Monday, Osceola Mills

Columbia Volunteer Fire Company’s 100th annual Fireman’s Parade is one of two events that kick-start the weeklong celebration. Russell Bush is the grand marshal, a ceremonial send off during his final parade. He was the parade chairman for 46 years.

Central PA 4th Fest

4 p.m. Monday, Medlar Field at Lubrano Park

The ticketed festival will include live music from three bands, including New Jersey Hall of Famer Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes. David Smith Jr., as well as the “Human Cannonball” and a choreographed fireworks show.

Parking fees are included in the cost of the ticket. For those without tickets, parking will be available after 7 p.m. for $10 per vehicle or free with a Penn State parking pass. Tailgating is not permitted, and music for the fireworks show will not be simulcast on the radio as it had been in the past.

The Central PA 4th Fest fireworks brought a record-setting crowd to the State College Spikes game Sunday night, with 7,183 people at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park.
The Central PA 4th Fest fireworks brought a record-setting crowd to the State College Spikes game Sunday night, with 7,183 people at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park.