Downtown Williamsport will once again light up the skies for the annual “Set the Night to Music” fireworks display on Friday, July 4th, celebrating our nation’s 249th anniversary of independence.

As in previous years, Backyard Broadcasting will partner with the City of Williamsport to host this exciting event.

Williamsport Mayor Derek Slaughter expressed pride in the city’s role in these festivities. “Every year, the Set the Night to Music Fireworks Extravaganza brings our community together in the heart of downtown to celebrate the spirit of the 4th of July. It’s a fun, free, family tradition to celebrate America. I want to thank Backyard Broadcasting and all the sponsors, volunteers, and vendors who organize this annual event. Come down, bring a chair, and enjoy the show,” Slaughter told Webb Weekly.

Backyard Broadcasting officials shared, “For the 30th consecutive year, plan to celebrate Independence Day in Williamsport with food, entertainment, and thunderous fireworks as we ‘Set the Night to Music,’ co-sponsored by UPMC and the City of Williamsport!”

Families can browse Williams Street and the surrounding area, which will be filled with food and craft vendors. Live music will kick off at 3 p.m. on the EuroOptic Stage, located in the Hampton Inn parking lot in downtown Williamsport.

This star-spangled patriotic celebration will take place beneath our enormous flying American flag, proudly provided by the Pennsylvania Army National Guard.

As darkness falls around 9:40 p.m., that massive flag will serve as a majestic backdrop for an incredible fireworks display, choreographed to an inspiring patriotic soundtrack as we “Set the Night to Music” and illuminate the skies!
Entertainment Schedule for July 4th:
– 3:00 p.m-3:35 p.m.: Classic Tymes Band
– 4:00 p.m-4:35 p.m.: Uptown Music Collective
– 5:00 p.m-5:35 p.m.: Jonny Bull
– 6:00 p.m-6:35 p.m.: Long Story Short
– 7:00 p.m-7:35 p.m.: Gray Valley
– 8:00 p.m-8:35 p.m.: JJ Gair and Da Country Outlaws
– 9:00 p.m-9:35 p.m.: Raising Kane

Please note that the Market Street Bridge will be closed on Friday, July 4th, from 8:30 p.m. until approximately 10:30 p.m. for the fireworks and cleanup. Additionally, the “River Walk” will be closed from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. from Commerce Park to Maynard Street on the Williamsport side of the river.

All attendees are advised that pets, rollerblades, bicycles, and skateboards are not permitted within the event area. There will be no parking or stopping on or around any highways or roads during the fireworks. Tents and private fireworks will not be allowed near the Hampton Inn.

Handicap parking is available on the first floor of the parking deck, accessible from Third and Church Streets. River Valley Transit will offer free trolley rides from all City parking lots to the fireworks area from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Backyard Broadcasting would like to acknowledge the following sponsors who helped make “Set the Night to Music” possible:
– UPMC
– Professional Petroleum Service Co.
– Pneu Dart
– EuroOptic
– Woodlands Bank
– Bower Electric & Generators
– E.H. Kleckner Inc.
– Surplus City Inc.
– Quality Air Mechanical
– Casale, Bonner, Hillman, and Southard, P.C.
– Pepsi
– Van Campen Motors Inc.
– Miele Amusements

Special Thanks To:
– Allison Crane & Rigging
– Staiman Recycling
– Perkins American Food Co.
– Wegmans
– Kohl’s
– Janet’s Floral
– It’s My Party Store
– Home Service Beverage
– Fast Signs
– Army National Guard
– Farrington Place
– Sunbelt Rentals

There are also various Independence Day activities throughout the area. In Montgomery, food and craft vendors will be available in Montgomery Park beginning at 5 p.m. on Thursday, July 3rd, with fireworks taking place at dusk that evening. The Annual Jersey Shore Town Meeting will also occur during the week of July 4th.

In nearby Watsontown, all-day activities will include a parade, entertainment, food, craft vendors, and fireworks at dusk on July 4th.

As you can see, there are many wonderful red, white, and blue opportunities available to celebrate our nation’s 249th birthday. Next year’s celebration should be even larger as we prepare for our nation’s 250th anniversary, or semi-quincentennial. Have a safe, sane, and sober Independence Day!