2021 July Fourth fireworks, events around Westmoreland County, beyond

After the cancellation of most large Fourth of July fireworks shows last year because of the covid-19 pandemic, some local venues and communities are celebrating our country’s independence once again.

Saturday, July 3

• Connellsville: Arch Street, 9:45 p.m.; part of the Dave Reed Rockin’ Rib Fest from 4-11 p.m.
• Latrobe: Memorial Stadium parking lot, 131 Irving Ave., 9:45 p.m.; part of a day of activities in the city.
• Mt. Pleasant: Mt. Pleasant Gazebo, Washington and South Diamond streets, dusk; part of the Party in the Park event.

Sunday, July 4

• Ligonier Township: Idlewild and SoakZone, 2574 Route 30, 9:30 p.m.
• Champion: Seven Springs Mountain Resort, 777 Water Wheel Drive, 9:30 p.m., $20 per car; part of the resort’s three-day weekend celebration.
• Farmington: Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, 1001 Lafayette Drive, airstrip behind The Chateau and The Peak parking area show at 9:30 p.m., Sunset Terrace show at 9:45 p.m.; part of the resort’s Party in the U.S.A. celebration with concert by Train.
• Pittsburgh: Point State Park, 601 Commonwealth Place, dusk; patriotic music and food vendors from 6-10 p.m.

While attending the Westmoreland Arts and Heritage Festival at Twin Lakes Parks over the Fourth of July weekend was a tradition for many, that event will not be held this year. But here are some other events in the area:

Saturday, July 3

• Latrobe to Mt. Pleasant Township: The Westmoreland County Chapter of A.B.A.T.E. of PA (Alliance of Bikers Aimed Toward Education) will be holding its 2nd annual Patriot Thunder ride. Last year, the event attracted 300 motorcyclists. The ride begins at 11 a.m. at Latrobe Elementary School, 20 Cedar St., and ends around 2 p.m. at Mammoth Park in Mt. Pleasant Township. Food, music and raffles will follow. Cost for the ride is $10. Proceeds go to the Officer Dale T. Provins Jr. Memorial Scholarship at California University of Pennsylvania.

Sunday, July 4

• Hempfield: The Revolutionary War settlement and first county seat, Historic Hanna’s Town, 809 Forbes Trail Road, is hosting a free Independence Day celebration beginning at 12:30 p.m. Living history displays will be presented by members of Proctor’s Militia, and the Declaration of Independence will be read at 2 p.m. Visitors also can enjoy a new exhibit called “Penn’s Woods: Plenty for the Use of Man,” which highlights the local and regional history of woodworking and carpentry, featuring historic woodworking tools, furnishings, photographs, documents and stories across centuries.

• Mt. Pleasant Township: The first Mike Reese Memorial 5K Roast, Run & Family Fun event, Mammoth Park, 171 County Park Road. In honor of the late lawmaker, friends wanted to “help start the foundation (that Reese’s wife Angela) wants to create in his memory, as well as do something for families,” said Dawn Keefer, whose husband, David, was Reese’s frequent running partner. The 5K run will start at 10 a.m. and will be followed by an 11:30 a.m. pig roast and an afternoon of raffles, games and more.

If you have an event you would like to be considered for this list, please email bpoole@triblive.com.