Communities to light up the skies to celebrate Independence Day
By the MVI
Pull up a lawn chair, it’s time for fireworks!
Many community celebrations are planned around the Mon Valley to not only celebrate the Fourth of July, but to also bring neighbors together for music, entertainment, food and good old fashioned fun.
Because Independence Day falls on a Friday this year, communities are holding their shows on several different days of the week.
ALLEGHENY COUNTY
Forward Township
Catch Sony artist Gerald Timmerman fresh off his tour with Noel Haggard as Forward Township welcomes him and “Back Roads” back to Gallatin-Sunnyside Park for a country Western Fourth of July celebration. The concert starts at 6:30 p.m.
Stay afterward for patriotic music and a Forward Township view of the Monongahela fireworks.
Free admission and free parking. Food concessions will be open.
Kennywood Park, West Mifflin
July is bursting with high-energy entertainment, starting with two nights of Zambelli fireworks on July 4 and 5 at Kennywood, 4800 Kennywood Blvd., West Mifflin Fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m. each night.
Celebration set in McKeesport
The community is invited to celebrate the Fourth of July in Renziehausen Park with the a concert by Pure Gold 7 p.m. July 4.
The performance is part of the Summer Concert Series at the Lions Bandshell in Renziehausen Park, sponsored by the McKeesport Lions Club, Allegheny Regional Asset District, Mayor Mike Cherepko and the City of McKeesport.
Holiday fireworks take place after dark. Admission and parking are free.
Monroeville
The annual Monroeville July 4th parade and fireworks will be held on July 4.
The parade begins at 9 a.m., on Route 22 in front of the Miracle Mile Shopping Center, and ends by the Monroeville Convention Center.
Fireworks will take place at 9:30 p.m. at the Monroeville Mall Annex.
City of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh’s Independence Day celebrations this year will be moved to the North Shore Riverwalk and Emerald View Park’s Grandview Bandstand in Allentown.
The city can’t hold its annual 4th of July festivities at Point State Park this summer as it usually does because of ongoing upgrades at the park.
Pittsburgh’s Independence Day events will start at 4 p.m. on the North Shore, with activities like a children’s fun zone, a hot air balloon and musical performances on the PNC Great Lawn. There will be an area dedicated to connecting veterans with career, housing and wellness resources.
Food trucks will be parked along North Shore Drive and a stage will be set up on the Riverwalk. Fireworks will begin at 9:35 p.m.
There will be music, food and children’s activities at Emerald View Park’s Grandview Bandstand from 4 p.m. until 10 p.m.
WASHINGTON COUNTY
Bentleyville
Bentleyville’s annual Independence Day celebration will start at 2 p.m. July 5 at Richardson Park, 315 Frye Ave., Bentleyville.
The event will feature a DJ, petting zoo from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., children’s activities, a foam party, touch-a-truck, food vendors and crafters from 2 to 10 p.m.
A classic car show will be held from 2 to 6 p.m. The first 100 cars receive dash plaques and trophies will be awarded. No off-road vehicles.
Fireworks will begin at 10 p.m.
Monongahela Area Chamber of Commerce Fourth of July and Railroad Street Fair
The Monongahela Area Chamber of Commerce will host the annual Monongahela Fourth of July Celebration and Fireworks display at the Monongahela Aquatorium on July 4.
Gates open at 6 p.m. with food trucks, vendors and games.
The fireworks finale is set for 9:45 p.m.
Rain date is July 5. Community members are encouraged to donate to the MACC Fireworks Fund.
Donations can be made at the Chamber office or online at tinyurl.com/MACC-Fireworks- Fund. Coinciding with the chamber celebration at the Monongahela Aquatorium will be the Sixth Annual Railroad Street Fair in downtown Monongahela, sponsored by My Main St., and the Monongahela Main Street Program.
The festival will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. July 4 on Third Street. The event will feature art demonstrations/ live mural paintings, musicians and performers, and The Declaration of Independence will be read aloud at 6 p.m.
WESTMORELAND COUNTY
Vinoski Winery Independence Day kickoff
Vinoski Winery’s Independence Day Kickoff is set for July 3.
The event at the Rostraver Township castle property will feature live music by The Altered Egos, food and fireworks.
Gates open at 3 p.m., at which time there is a $20 charitable parking fee to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project.
Firework begin after dark. For more details, go to vinoskiwinery.com.
