Where to find fun on the Fourth

Jun. 28—Celebrate Independence Day in and around the Mercer County area this year with fireworks, food, a 5K, entertainment and more.

At 9:30 p.m. Monday, the sky over Grove City will light up with a display from Kellner's Fireworks out of Harrisville.

The fireworks, which are funded by Grove City borough and Pine Township, will be set off from the high school's practice field.

The only weather that cancels the event is lightning, said Mary Kay Mattocks, lead organizer and president of borough council.

Because of budget restrictions, there will not be a program before the fireworks as in past years at the main football field, Forker Field on East Poplar Street.

Forker Field will also be closed to the public, and the program, which features the Harrisville Community Band, is expected to return in 2023.

There's not really a bad seat in the house when it comes to picking a spot to see the show, Mattocks said.

The fireworks can be viewed from places including Grove City College, near East Main Presbyterian Church and the benches along South Broad Street downtown.

"And they can see them perfectly," she said.

Some spectators also watch the fireworks from their vehicles while parked in public lots or along side streets.

The borough has hosted the celebration yearly since 1998, when Grove City marked its bicentennial.

"We've never missed a year," Mattocks said.

Another holiday event for folks in Grove City is the Firecracker 5K organized by the Grove City Education Foundation.

The nonprofit provides additional opportunities for Grove City students, and race proceeds will benefit the Food for Kids Backpack Program.

The race starts at 8 a.m. Monday at the soccer fields, 660 N. Liberty Road.

The fee is $25 and registration ends Saturday night. Visit bit.ly/grovecity5k

Also in Grove City on Monday: East Main Presbyterian Church, 120 E. Main St., is hosting a block party from 7 to 10 p.m. behind Fellowship Hall with refreshments and games.

Slippery Rock

The borough's third annual Independence Day Celebration will be held downtown on Saturday, July 2.

Organized by Mayor Jondavid R. Longo, the event starts at 1 p.m. and includes food and vendors, ending with fireworks launched from the park at 9:45 p.m.

Franklin

The town's Fourth of July festivities started at the beginning of the week. Tonight, June 29, is the Taste of Talent vocal competition kickoff at 7 p.m. at the bandstand.

The Children's Penny Carnival will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, July 1, near the bandstand and fountain along with a petting zoo

Saturday's schedule starts at 11:30 a.m. with the Libertyfest parade on Liberty Street. The theme is "Red, White and You," and attendees and participants are encouraged to wear their most patriotic outfits.

The weekend includes the farm market, music, a movie in the park and sidewalk sales. Thunder Over Franklin by Pyrotecnico is set for dusk at Riverfront Park.

For the complete schedule, visit franklinpa.gov

Harrisville

Harrisville Community Day is Monday with food, crafts, bingo, music, kids' bike giveaways and rides.

A parade will be held at 11 a.m., and Kellner's sets off fireworks at 10 p.m.

New Wilmington

The Westminster College Independence Day Celebration will be held from 7:30 to 10 p.m. Sunday, July 3, at Brittain Lake.

There will be music and food plus fireworks by Pyrotecnico. Spectators are welcome to bring blankets, chairs and picnic items.

Mercer

The Mercer Community Band will perform the second concert in its 45th season on the historic Mercer County Courthouse Square on Friday, July 1. The concert theme "Red, White and Blue" as the band salutes America.

The guest instrumental soloist, Jeanne Barbour, a trombonist from Pittsburgh, will perform "Atlantic Zephyrs" and "Danny Boy". Guest soprano soloist Angela Settlemire, from Grove City, will perform "Battle Hymn of the Republic", "America the Beautiful" and "They Can't Take That Away From Me".

Other band repertoire to be performed include "A Star Spangled Spectacular", "Mony, Mony", "America", "Red, White and Blue March", "Washington Post March", "God Bless America" "A Tribute to Elvis" among others.

Dr. Hendley D. Hoge serves as the director; Douglas A. Butchy as associate director; and D. Lee Caldwell as assistant director.

The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. Rock/Jazz will provide warm-up music beginning at 6 p.m.

The Mercer Band Boosters will host an old-fashioned ice cream social and will also sell fresh popcorn throughout the evening. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy an evening of free entertainment.

In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be held in the air-conditioned Mercer High School auditorium, 545 W. Butler St., about two blocks from the courthouse.

For further information call 724-699-9124.

Greenville

Freedom Fest on Saturday features fireworks at dusk in the parking area of Pap Pap's Smokehouse, 359 Mercer Road, Greenville.

Heritage Days fireworks in Greenville are 10 p.m. July 10 in Riverside Park. However, spectators will not be able to access Riverside Park to watch the fireworks due to parking lot upgrades.

Jamestown

Gateway Jamestown's annual Independence Day fireworks are 10 p.m. Saturday at Pymatuning State Park. Rain date is Sunday.

Sharon

Shenango Riverfront Fireworks Celebration will be presented from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Sunday along the river in downtown Sharon. The event is hosted by the city of Sharon in partnership with Quaker Steak and Lube.

Boardman, Ohio

Fireworks and concerts start at 8 p.m. July 9 at Boardman Township Park, 375 Boardman-Poland Road, Boardman.

Clarion CountySt. Joseph's 83rd annual Fourth of July Celebration will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday on the parish grounds, 112 Rectory Lane, Lucinda.

There will be homemade meals, games, auction, music, quilt auction, cash prizes and more. There's also a 5K at 8 a.m. Saturday.

Proceeds benefit St. Joseph Catholic School. For more information, visit www.stjoseph-stmichaelparishes.org