Latrobe won’t have a Fourth of July parade this year but is planning a number of holiday activities for July 3, including fireworks and a car cruise.

The inaugural Fourth of July Celebration car cruise is set for 3 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the Memorial Stadium parking lot. The first 200 cars will receive a dash plaque. Games of chance will be offered.

It will be followed by a fireworks display at about 9:45 p.m. The display will be presented by Little Big Shots of Somerset County and is being sponsored by Blackout Tinting of Unity.

“It’s going to be a fast-moving show, about 25 minutes long,” said Beth Straka, who is co-chairing the Fourth of July event committee. “Blackout Tinting donated $51,000 from their virtual gun bash toward the cost of the fireworks.”

Covid-19 pandemic restrictions on large gatherings forced organizers to cancel plans for a Fourth of July parade last year. The recent ease on restrictions came too late to prepare for a parade this summer.

“We’re disappointed that there’s not going to be a parade, but we’re excited about the activities that are planned,” said Mayor Rosie Wolford. “The fireworks are going to be bigger and better than what we had in the past.”

Several activities will be offered at Legion Keener Park and Memorial Stadium.

The day will begin with a Fourth of July 5-Mile Run and 2-Mile Walk, starting at the stadium and organized by Latrobe-GLSD Parks and Recreation. The start is set at 9 a.m. for runners, with walkers heading out minutes later.

Prizes will be awarded for top finishers in eight age divisions.

Pre-registration is $25 before June 21 and can be completed at latroberecreation.org. Race Day registration begins at 7:30 a.m. and costs $30.

The nearby Rogers-McFeely Memorial Pool will be open for swimming from noon to 5 p.m. At 2 p.m., baseball fans can take in a Legion game between backyard rivals Latrobe and Derry at the Latrobe Legion Field.

From 2:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., food vendors and music by DJ Don will be featured at the stadium. Food will be available from the Greater Latrobe track and football boosters, the Latrobe Eagles and Waterford Fire Department, along with Speals on Wheels, Rosemary’s Country Kitchen, Lynne’s Franks, Kettle Dad BBQ, Kettlecorn Clinic and Kona Ice.

Parking won’t be available at the stadium lot between 11:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. but motorists may find spaces at several other downtown parking lots, at the city parking garage on Spring Street, or on-street spaces.

Memorial Stadium will be the setting for an interfaith service at 3 p.m. on June 27. Traditionally held to honor veterans as part of Latrobe’s Fourth of July activities, the service also was canceled last year. In addition to veterans, this year’s service will recognize those who have served on the front lines of the pandemic.

Patriotic decorating contest returns

“Get Your 4th On,” a patriotic-themed home decorating contest introduced last year, is being expanded this year to include businesses.

Decorations must be in place by June 27, with judging taking place June 28 through July 1. Registration forms are available at the Latrobe municipal building and may be returned there or emailed to apowell@cityoflatrobe.com.

The winner of the home decorating category will receive a “spectacular sparkler” prize package. “Last year, it included everything you need for a picnic,” Straka said.

The business winner will receive an advertising package.

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