Downtown Williamsport will again be set ablaze with the beautiful and awe-inspiring fireworks display that is the keystone of the annual “Set the Night To Music” July 4th celebration in Williamsport.
Williamsport Mayor Derek Slaughter speaks enthusiastically about this now-annual event. “The City of Williamsport is looking forward to our annual 4th of July Set the Night to Music Fireworks Extravaganza. I would like to thank Backyard Broadcasting and all the sponsors who make this event possible. We welcome the community to join us downtown and enjoy the festivities,” Slaughter told Webb Weekly.
Thousands are expected to fill the area where the fireworks are to be set off, near Wegman’s and Kohl’s. In addition to fireworks, there will be live music and various craft and food vendors, with items sure to appeal to all tastes, either culinary or artistic.
The live music begins at 3 p.m. in the Hampton Inn parking lot. Here is a list of the bands performing.
– 3 p.m.-3:35 p.m.: Classic Tymes Band
– 4 p.m.-4:35 p.m.: The Uptown Music Collective
– 5 p.m.-5:35 p.m.: The Clerks
– 6 p.m.-6:35 p.m.: Gray Valley
– 7 p.m.-7:35 p.m.: Celtic Wood and Wires
– 8 p.m.-8:35 p.m.: Jonny Bull
– 9 p.m.-9:35 p.m.: Raising Kane
– 9:40 p.m.: The National Anthem performed by “Achording to Dad”
This takes place amidst the magnificent backdrop of our nation’s beloved “star-spangled banner,” An enormous flying American Flag provided by The Pennsylvania ARMY National Guard.
Another interesting patriotic military touch is that the North Shore Railroad Company & Affiliates (NSHR) will park its two Military Units for public viewing at the Set the Night to Music Fireworks Celebration.
The new paint and artwork on LVRR 9052 (Veterans Unit) and LVRR 9050 (Memorial Unit) were unveiled in May. For over two years, NSHR worked behind the scenes to prepare the locomotives for their dedication to United States military service members – past, present, and fallen.
LVRR 9052 (Veterans Unit) portrays the silhouettes of three soldiers saluting our nation’s flag as a dedication to all service members, past and present. This unit honors each soldier’s loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage as they have chosen to commit themselves to the defense of our nation. The “All Gave Some” written on the side of the unit helps us reflect and remember the brave men and women who gave so much for us to be here today – enjoying our freedoms.
LVRR 9050 (Memorial Unit) echoes the shadows of two soldiers paying respect to their fallen comrade, now remembered with a Battlefield Cross, as a dedication to all service members who have lost their lives defending this great nation. The “Some Gave All” should make you bow your head and thank those who died – fighting for our freedom. Not all soldiers make it home, a reminder that there is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
River Valley Transit will provide FREE bus service every 10 minutes from FREE parking lots between 6 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. RVT will also provide 2 FARE FREE bus routes between 5 p.m.-10 p.m. Complete details can be found at River Valley Transit’s website: https://www.ridervt.com/schedules-routes/rvt-rocket-lot-routes/.
The River Walk from Basin Street to Hepburn Street will be closed from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., and the Market Street Bridge will be closed to all traffic from 8:30 p.m. to 10:15 p.m.
Free parking will be available at the garage on Church and Third streets. The lower level will be accessible for handicapped vehicles. There will be no parking on the roof levels.
Elevators to both garages will be shut down from 6 p.m. to midnight. Security will be patrolling both parking decks, keeping spectators off the roof levels.
NO PETS, ROLLERBLADES, SKATES, BICYCLES, ELECTRIC SCOOTERS OR BICYCLES, TENTS, OR FIREWORKS are permitted in the event area.
If you want to want another All-American activity, you can celebrate our National Pastime by attending the Williamsport Crosscutters game as they take on the State College Spikes at Bowman Field beginning at 1:05 p.m. It will give you enough time to get downtown to see all the great activities there.
There are other fine and fun July 4th activities going on in the area as well.
In Montgomery, they will have their fireworks celebration in Montgomery Park on Wednesday, July 3, beginning at 5:30 p.m. with the fireworks being set off at dusk.
The annual Jersey Shore Town Meeting takes place from Sunday, June 30, to Saturday, July 6. The annual parade will step off at 6 p.m. Wednesday. Following the parade will be the crownings of Queen Tiadaghton and Baby Sweetheart. The annual fireworks will occur at the Jersey Shore Recreation Park area on Saturday, July 6, at 9:30 p.m.
The borough of Watsontown will be having its 50th Anniversary Old Fashioned 4th of July celebration. It will be an all-day affair that will feature a car show, a Fun Run, live music, craft and food vendors and fireworks at Memorial Park at 9:15 p.m.
The annual Firemen’s Carnival takes place in nearby Millville from June 28 to July 6. Highlighted by the Millville Independence Day Parade on July 4, beginning at 10:30 a.m. There will be fireworks on the carnival grounds at 10 p.m. that night and then again on Saturday, July 6 at 11 p.m.
As you can see, there is plenty to do on Independence Day. Have a safe and happy July 4th.
