Created by
Tanya Delucas
(Media Arts Group of The Morning Call)

For the first time in the history of the City of Allentown, our nation’s independence will be celebrated with a spectacular street festival – a “Star Spangled Celebration.”

Allentown’s Fourth of July Festival will incorporate food and drink, music and activities for all ages directly outside J. Birney Crum Stadium on Linden Street (also known as Parkway Boulevard) in Allentown. The event will run from 4pm-10pm on Thursday, July 4th. It will of course be capped by a brilliant 4th of July fireworks show.This event is free and open to the public!

Celebration Fireworks Inc. of Kutztown is again producing this year’s fireworks show. The show will be customized to the new venue with special effects that can be appreciated best when viewed in the festival area.

Traditionally this event is held in J. Birney Crum Stadium. The installation of a new field surface in the stadium this year required some logistical changes which also offered an opportunity to expand and bridge the stadium and park audiences.

The 2013 festival will be held between the stadium and Cedar Beach Park on Linden Street. This new venue allows for the creation of a larger, more interactive event. Seating will still be available in J. Birney Crum Stadium while the festival fills Linden Street and the eastern portion of Cedar Beach Park with a holiday celebration.

Entertainment
The beloved traditional elements like live music, skydivers from Lehigh Valley Parachute Team, face-painting will remain a part of the program. Additional brand new features will include – children’s rides, interactive activities, a beer garden and more! Some of the entertainment slated for the day includes: boomerang throwing demos, music by the School of Rock, the Marine Band of Allentown, Toga Party Band and the Gilbert Family / Sing for America.

Rides and Activities

• Children’s Rides include: a bounce house, an inflatable slide, spinning tubs and bumper boats and more.
• Allentown is pleased to work with On Your Way Up Ballooning to offer tethered hot air balloon rides for all ages!
• Additional activities include: interactive art areas, a classic car (and truck) cruise, a visit from Pip the Mouse from the Liberty Bell Museum (thanks to PPL), stilt walkers and more!

Food
Festival goers can choose from offerings from food vendors which will include: Asian Grill and Rice, Cactus Blue, Front Porch Family Farm, Lilo Mobile Snacks, MMG Concessions, Phil’s French Fries, Oogie’s Ice Cream and Trixie’s Treats. The offerings include everything from taco salad to prime rib sandwiches, fried rice to chicken on a stick and Italian ice to cupcakes.