Central PA 4th Fest to return with parade and 4K for first time since 2019

Central PA 4th Fest is coming back this summer with many of the features that attendees have missed over the past several years.

After fireworks were held at satellite locations in 2020 and there were smaller-scale events in 2021 and 2022, organizers announced Wednesday that 4th Fest will return in July with live music, tailgating, a 4K run, Independence Day parade and, of course, the fireworks show.

The festival has been a Centre County tradition for decades but experienced recent hardship due to COVID-19 and a dramatic decrease in volunteers. The event drew in anywhere from 300 to 400 volunteers prior to 2020 — last year there were only 20 to 30. The loss of volunteers forced organizers to host the 2022 fest without a 4K or a parade, sparking criticism from the community.

“If you’re disappointed that there’s no 4K race or there’s no parade, please contact us and be patient with us,” 4th Fest President Kurt Weibel told the CDT last summer. “We wish you would come, be a part of the organization and lead that charge. It’s all coming back, but just not this year.”

For 2023, organizers are planning a return to the grandeur of pre-COVID celebrations, promising the largest firework display in Pennsylvania. The event also has a new executive director this year, Celesta Powell, who takes over from Frank Savino.

“We are so excited once again to present the 4th Fest celebration in a manner that residents of our community and visitors remember prior to the pandemic,” Powell wrote in a news release.

Music acts and live shows have yet to be announced but will be released on social media pages and the event’s website. For the fireworks show, there will be lawn seating options, VIP options at Medlar Field and parking options for a variety of viewing, 4th Fest wrote in a comment to the Facebook post.

Organizers are looking for volunteers and sponsorship opportunities to help support the event. The event has partners including Penn State and is sponsored by the State College Spikes organization. Volunteers have an opportunity to sign up from noon to 3 p.m. Sunday at Axemann Brewery or online at the Central PA 4th Fest website.

“This is not a one-person show,” Powell said. “It is only possible with our community’s support and partnerships.”

Tickets for the event will be available for presale on April 4 on the Central PA 4th Fest or the State College Spikes website.