250th celebration set in Belle Vernon Borough

Belle Vernon to join the nationwide celebration honoring America’s 250th birthday.

For the MVI

Belle Vernon Borough invites residents and visitors to celebrate America’s 250th Birthday during the free “Let Freedom Ring celebration set for July 3-4 at Veterans Park.

Recently approved by borough council, the event is part of the nationwide America250 observance and is being organized by council Vice President Denise Stasko and community volunteer Melanie Stringhill Patterson.

Here is the event lineup:

• July 3: Community Movie Night featuring “The Sandlot.” Activities begin at 8:30 p.m.; movie starts at dusk. Complimentary popcorn will be provided. Those attending can bring lawn chairs and blankets.

• July 4: Registration for children’s contests begins at 11:30 a.m. Opening ceremony will be from noon to 12:15 p.m., followed by a decorated bike & wagon parade, Little Firecracker Contest (for ages G-3, 4-6, 7-9, 1012), sack races, twist contest, patriotic music, hot dogs and freeze pops.

At 2 p.m., Belle Vernon will join communities across America in the official America250 “Let Freedom Ring” observance by ringing bells 13 times in honor of the original 13 colonies and 250 years of American freedom.

Rain plans: July 3 moves to the Belle Vernon Social Hall if needed. If July 4 is postponed because of weather, the celebration will be held July 5.

Stasko said the event is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to bring the community together. Patterson said the goal is to recreate the hometown Fourth of July celebrations many families remember growing up while introducing visitors to Belle Vernon’s beautiful downtown park.

The Good 01’ Days House is the presenting sponsor, with additional support from Maccabees and community partners.

Admission is free. Updates will be posted on The Good 01’ Days House Facebook page and the official Let Freedom Ring in Belle Vernon Facebook Event page.