Latrobe July 4th parade, canceled last year, doubtful this summer

Organizers hope to have a scaled-back Fourth of July celebration in Latrobe this summer, though it appears likely the key event, a parade in downtown Latrobe, may not occur for the second year in a row.

Latrobe Fire Chief John Brasile, a co-chair of the celebration, told city council this week that a lack of interest in participation, likely fueled by the covid-19 pandemic and uncertainties about related public restrictions, have cast doubt on the feasibility of an Independence Day parade this summer.

Pandemic concerns caused cancellation of last year’s parade and related festivities, interrupting a 50-year tradition in the city.

In a normal year, Brasile said, the parade registration process would be underway. But, he reported, the committee has received just one inquiry about participating in the event.

“I can almost guarantee you it’s probably not going to be a possibility,” he said of the parade. “I’ve had one lady contact me about registering a ‘65 Mustang. That’s about the only thing.”

Council member Christine Weller asked if a scaled-down version of the parade might be possible.

Under Pennsylvania’s current pandemic guidelines, which call for social distancing, attendance at such an outdoor event would be limited to 2,500, Brasile said. Normally, he said, spectators are standing “elbow to elbow” along downtown streets during the popular parade.

With covid-19 case numbers declining in the area and vaccinations expected to ramp up, public restrictions “hopefully will change by then, but it’s not going to give us enough time,” said Mayor Rosie Wolford.

Brasile said the committee still is considering a fireworks display and a car show as possible elements of a Fourth of July celebration this year. Last summer, the group initiated a “Get Your 4th On” patriotic home-decorating contest, which is expected to return this year.

The committee is continuing to hold fundraising events, with a drag queen bingo night and a virtual gun bash planned. Limited tickets for the bingo event, set for April 30, can be had by calling 412-554-4714. Those who would like to volunteer with the committee may call the same number.

Visit the Latrobe 4th of July Celebration Facebook page for additional details.

If plans don’t come together for a full-fledged Fourth event this summer, Brasile said, “I can guarantee you next year we will have one great celebration here in the city.”