Community Corner
Get Out: Independence Day Weekend Festivities
A round-up of Fourth of July activities and events.
Who’s ready for sparklers? If the roadside fireworks stands that popped up throughout the community this week didn’t make it obvious enough, the July 4 holiday weekend is upon us. To celebrate, Patch has a plethora of Independence Day activities for you and the family to enjoy. Happy Birthday America!
1. Firecracker Family Swim Night
When/Where: From 9 to 11 p.m. Friday at the on North Boundary Park Road.
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Why go: Because how often do you get to visit the community’s water park at night? Celebrate Independence Day early with an evening of fireworks and fun -- just add water.
Price: Free to water park members. General admission cost is $2.
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When/Where: 10 a.m. Saturday at the bridge in Zelienople over Connoquenessing Creek.
Why go: This event is sure to quack you up … and give you a chance to win some serious green. Rubber duckies, each stamped with a number belonging to a resident or business, are released into the Connoquenessing Creek. Follow the ducks to the finish line at the canoe launch area off Halstead Boulevard. The owner of the first duck to cross into the collection tube wins $1,000. The second-place winner receives $500, and the third-place finisher receives $250. Winners need not be present to collect their prizes.
Cost: Each rubber duck costs $10. All proceeds benefit the Zelienople-Harmony Friends of the Park.
3. The Race for Virginia and Friends
When/Where: 8:30 a.m. Monday at .
Why go: This is the 10th and final year of the 5K Run/Walk in memory of Virginia Clark, who died from a childhood cancer called neuroblastoma just after her 9th birthday. The annual race has been conducted on the Fourth of July, and since it began in 2002 it has raised more than $340,000 for the Pediatric Cancer Research Fund at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. According to the Race for Virginia website, Virginia would have graduated from high school this year. The final race also honors all the friends that participants who have participated throughout the years.
Cost: The registration fee is $20, but additional donations gladly are accepted. Runners and walkers may register on the race day.
When/Where: The festivities kick off at 11 a.m. Monday with a parade through Zelienople. The Pittsburgh North Symphony will perform at 8 p.m., and the fireworks start at 10 p.m. at Zelienople Community Park.
Why Go: You don’t want to miss this all-day event. Once the parade is over, there will be food, games and music at the Zelienople Community Park. Activities include a football throwing contest, a corn hole tournament, a homerun derby and more.
Cost: The price of food and games.
When/Where: The fair opens at 9 a.m. July 1-9 at the Big Butler Fairgrounds on New Castle Road in Prospect.
Why Go: Attracting people from across the tri-state region, the annual fair is purported to be the biggest and the best around. The nine-day event features food, music, animals and more. From the petting zoo to the Fair Queen pageant, the festival is an old-fashioned good time for everyone. The fair’s famous Independence Day fireworks display will take place at dusk Monday.
Cost: Gate admission, excluding carnival rides, is $6 before 4 p.m. The cost is $8 after 4 p.m. Children younger than 2 are admitted free. A one-day ride band is $20. Parking is free.
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