This Year’s Independence Day Calendar: Five Days of Celebration
July 3rd ~
Don’t miss the Annual Independence Day Parade held in downtown Lititz, PA, on July 3rd. The parade features military personnel, police and fire personnel, fire trucks, dance teams, bands, cars (antique and otherwise) and other unique displays for an extravagant celebration. Also, the candidates for Lititz’ Queen of Candles pageant—to take place on July 4th—will ride with the local corvette club. The parade starts at 6:30 pm at West Lincoln Ave. and Warwick St and travels through downtown Lititz. For a more detailed route, visit the Lititz Springs Park website. There will be entertainment following the parade in Lititz Springs Park.
July 4th ~
Following the Lititz Independence Day Parade, the town’s 195th 4th of July celebration will take place in Lititz Springs Park, Lititz, PA. The celebration has been held continuously since 1818. The gates open at noon and an entrance fee is charged. The entertainment from the day consists of reenactments, the annual Baby Parade, games, a food court, and the Queen of Candles Pageant. After dark, as part of the pageant, over 5,000 candles will be lit on scaffolding over the creek that runs from the natural springs. An amazing finale to the evening, hi-tech fireworks with synchronized sound will begin as soon as the darkness is complete (rain date Saturday, July 5, 2012).
July 5th ~
Visit historic Wheatland, the home of Pennsylvania’s son, President James Buchanan, for a special living history tour of the house and grounds. The estate is located at 1120 Marietta Ave., Lancaster, PA. The premise of the day: July 1863. Dedicated to portraying life only two days after the horrific Battle of Gettysburg, this day is a fun way to immerse yourself and your family in local, state, and national history over the anniversary of our country’s birth.
July 6th ~
On Sunday, July 6th, celebrate Independence Day weekend and the anniversary of our freedom by attending the free concert at Long’s Park. The evening will feature the premier Army Band known as “Pershing’s Own” for an evening of patriotic music for every member of your family. Bring blankets and lawn chairs and enjoy a picnic in the park. The festivities begin at 7:30 p.m. as part of a favorite Lancaster County Independence Day celebration.
