It was 249 years ago that the Declaration of Independence was signed in Philadelphia. Yes, that means we are a year away from celebrating what undoubtedly will be the biggest birthday party ever held in the U.S. What’s the proper term for 250 years? Take your pick: Quartermillenial, Semiquincentennial, Sestercentennial, Sesquarcentennial or Bisesquicentennial. Whew! Try fitting those on a T-shirt or a baseball cap! The party has been in the planning stages since 2011, when the nonprofit USA250 (much better!) was established in Philadelphia. In the meantime, there’s plenty of ways to celebrate 7/4/25!
Facebook photos unless otherwise noted.
Community Carnival & Fireworks
June 18-21
Millersville-Manor VFW Post 7294
Back for its second year, the VFW’s Community Carnival features food, games, a raffle, rides, family fun and on June 20, fireworks. 6-10 p.m. each evening. 219 Walnut Hill Rd., Millersville. Information: VFWpost7294.org
Movie & Fireworks in the Park
June 27
East Petersburg Community Park
Event will feature a family-friendly movie (title TBA) food trucks and fireworks. 5:30-10 p.m. Pine St., East Petersburg. Information: Eastpetersburgday.com
Fireworks on the Farm
June 28
Elizabeth Farms
The celebration starts early at this historic farm that played a role in the American Revolution. Enjoy food, drinks, music and fireworks. Gates open at 5 p.m. 262 Hopeland Rd., Lititz. Information: Elizabethfarms.com
Mountville Fireworks
June 28
Froelich Park
Mountville Borough presents its annual fireworks show that launches with a concert. 7 p.m., with fireworks at approximately 9:30 p.m. 350 W. Main St. (Note: Rain date is July 5.) Information: Mountvilleborough.com
Long’s Park Patriotic Concert
June 29
Long’s Park
The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own” will present a patriotic concert followed by fireworks. 8 p.m. 1441 Harrisburg Pike, Lancaster. Information: Longspark.org.
Celebrate America!
July 3
The Barn at Paradise Station
The event kicks off at 4 p.m. with food trucks, yard games and other activities. At 7:30 p.m., the New Holland Band and Perfect Harmony will present a concert of patriotic music. Fireworks will conclude the evening. 312 Paradise Lane, Ronks. (Note: Rain date is July 6.) Information: Barnatparadisestation.com.
Independence Day Celebration & Fireworks
July 3
Penn Medicine Park
Penn Medicine Park and the Lancaster Stormers are hosting a free community event that will include a DJ, music, apple pie- and hot dog-eating contests, games, inflatables, kid’s activities and fireworks. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. Fireworks set off at 9:30 p.m. 650 N. Prince St., Lancaster. Information: Lancasterstormers.com
New Holland
July 3 & 4
New Holland Community Memorial Park
On July 3, the park will host a concert by the West Chester Band, followed by fireworks. (Rain date is July 6.) On July 4, the New Holland Band will perform a program of patriotic music. 7 p.m. 400 block E. Jackson St. Information: Newhollandsummerarts.com
Firecracker 5 Mile Run
July 4
Ephrata
Now in its 48th year, the event, which is sponsored by the Ephrata Rec and the Ephrata War Memorial Association, will include a 5-mile run, as well as a 1-mile Fun Run for kids. Registration begins at 6:30 a.m., run gets underway at 8 a.m. Thomas P. Grater Community Park, Cocalico St., Ephrata. Information: Ephratarec.com.
4th of July Extravaganza & Fireworks
July 4
Stone Gables Estate
Stone Gables presents its annual tribute to America’s birthday. Event features self-guided tours of Ironstone Ranch and the Star Barn, yard games, food trucks, artisans, a campfire, petting zoo, music (Josh Squared Band and Hutch) family-friendly entertainment (circus arts and juggler, David Darwin, and “The Reptile Guy”) and, of course, fireworks. Gates open at 3 p.m. 1160 N. Market St., Elizabethtown. Information: Stonegablesestate.com
Lititz 208th Annual Fourth of July Celebration
July 4
Lititz
One of the country’s longest-running July 4th celebrations is held in Lititz. The day kicks off with the Blanket Run (7-10 a.m.) during which visitors can stake out their spots to watch the fireworks. The annual Lititz Lions Club Patriotic Parade will make its ways through the downtown area at 11 a.m. The afternoon and evening will feature live music (Lititz Community Band, 3 Hour Tour, Jess Zimmerman Band and Maxwell Project); traditional events such as the Queen of Candles pageant, baby parade and pie-eating contest; Kid Zone activities; a dance party; food trucks and vendors and more. The grand finale, fireworks, will get underway at approximately 9:30 p.m. Tickets are required to enter Lititz Springs Park (where most activities are held) and can be purchased online or at the gate. Gates open at 11 a.m. (Note: Rain date is July 5.) Information: Lititz4thofjuly.com.
Marietta Fireworks
Joy Summers Kauffman photo
July 4
Marietta
Thanks to a concerted volunteer effort and the support of businesses and organizations, Marietta’s July 4th celebration made a sparkling return in 2024. This year’s event will feature a maker’s market, live music, food trucks and, of course, fireworks. The festivities get underway at 2 p.m., while the fireworks show will start at approximately 9:15 p.m. War Memorial Park, 334 E. Walnut St., Marietta. Information: Mariettafireworks.org.
July 4th Community Event
July 4
Ephrata
Food trucks, inflatables, entertainment, live music and more will be held on the grounds of the Ephrata Church of the Brethren. As night falls, the Ephrata Rec and Ephrata Borough will present a fireworks show. 5:30-8:30 p.m., with fireworks set to start at 9:30 p.m. 201 Crescent Ave., Ephrata. Information: Ecob.church.com
SECAFest
July 13
Quarryville
Quarryville’s annual summer celebration features food, music, inflatables and fireworks. 4-9:30 p.m. Memorial Park, 297 Park Ave. Information: Secarec.com
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