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Fourth of July celebrations in the State College area go back to 1927, when the Alpha Fire Company first put on a carnival. For the next 50 years, the Alpha carnival and parade were major events on the community’s calendar. However, by the 1970s, increasing demands on the Alphas’ all-volunteer force left firefighters with no time to produce a Fourth of July celebration.

So, in 1978, the State College Sunrise Kiwanis Club took on the 4th of July celebration, presenting through the 1980s a modest firework show at the current site near Beaver Stadium on the Penn State campus.

In 1991 Sunrise Kiwanis passed the torch to WZWW Radio and United Federal Bank. From that partnership grew an outstanding event, produced by Dan Barker and his family for the community. The Great American 4th of July was especially notable for its use of computers to choreograph fireworks to music. By the start of the new century, the show was rated among the best in the world — and had outgrown the ability of one family to organize and administer it.

In 2001, an independent, community-based group was formed to carry forward our 4th of July traditions. Central Pennsylvania July 4th, Inc., is a non-profit organization. Its Board of Directors includes community leaders in education, business, industry, medicine, public service and government. At the heart of the organization are its hundreds of volunteers, without whom this spectacular event would not be possible.

For more information, visit http://www.4thfest.org.

What the Central PA 4th Fest calls "The Greatest Fireworks Show on Earth" will launch at 9:20 p.m. The fireworks show is choreographed to music on the radio, so remember to bring one!

The schedule for the day starts off with the annual 4K race in the morning. Later in the afternoon you will find many activities, crafts, food vendors and entertainers to keep you in the party mood. From the Family Playground Carnival in the stadium west parking lot, to the outdoor party of tents, booths, entertainment stages and children’s activities you will surely find fun things for the whole family to enjoy. Since we are celebrating our nation’s birthday you can expect to find a giant birthday cake, thousands of hotdogs, and a thrilling fireworks show as nighttime approaches, and concluding with a street dance at the main stage.