Zelienople Adds Firecracker 5K to Fourth of July Fun

Zelienople is starting its annual Fourth of July celebration off with a bang.

New this year, the nonprofit Friends of the Park is adding the Firecracker 5K, a family-friendly race at the Zelienople Community Park. There also is a one-mile walk.

The Firecracker 5K kicks off at 8 a.m. Thursday, July 4. The cost is $20 for adults and $15 for kids age 15 and younger. Proceeds from the event benefit the Friends of the Park. 

To register for the race, click here.

The Firecracker 5K ends in plenty of time for participants to get to Main Street for the borough’s annual parade.

Sponsored by the Zelienople Rotary Club, the march begins at 11 a.m. For those participating in the parade, line up is at 10 a.m. on High Street.

Once the parade is over, it’s time for the “Celebration at the Park,” which runs until about 4 p.m. 

Activities include a special performance by local kids performing a patriotic show, live music, food, homemade pies and desserts. 

There also will be games for kids, face painting, inflatable games, a moon bounce and more. In addition, there is no entrance fee at the Zelienople Community Pool throughout the day.

The Strand Theater in Zelienople is once again sponsoring the North Pittsburgh Philharmonic Orchestra for a free concert in the park prior to the fireworks show. 

The concert begins at 8 p.m. and plays until about 10 p.m. when the fireworks show begins. Participants are asks to bring lawn chairs and blankets to the park lawn for the event.

If you want to get your Independence Day events started early, the “With Liberty and Justice for All” cantata will take place at 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 3 at St. Peter’s Reformed Church on Grandview Avenue in Zelienople. 

The concert will include a special salute to the men and women serving in the military, followed by refreshments. The church also will collect a free will offering to benefit the Butler VA Hospital.

Here’s a breakdown of events for the Fourth of July celebration

9:30 – 10:30 a.m.—Homemade pies and baked goods drop-off at the Zelienople Park

10 a.m.—Line up on High Street for the parade (see a Zelienople Rotary by Nextier Bank to sign up)

11 a.m.—The parade starts

Noon to 4 p.m.—Fourth of July Celebration in the Park

Noon to 4 p.m.—Food, obstacle course, bounce house, face painting and kids games

1 to 4 p.m.—Silly swim games at the pool. Check the schedule at the pool for your age group

Noon to 8 p.m.—Free swimming at the Zelienople Community Pool

Preamble: Johnny Burgh & Fire Truck Friends

12:45 – 1 p.m.—Performing Arts Camp Kid Patriotic Show

1:10 - 2:10 p.m.—The Resurrection Marching Band

8 p.m.—North Pittsburgh Philharmonic Orchestra, sponsored by the Strand Theater

10 p.m.—Fireworks

*Note: All times are subject to change