Organizers of the Latrobe Fourth of July Celebration are planning to focus on children at this year’s two-day event, set for July 3 and 4.
There will be added attractions for attendees younger than 18, in keeping with the theme for the town’s festival and its popular parade — “Building the Future: A Celebration of Youth.”
Friday marks the debut of a new fundraising event for the festival: “Latrobe’s Got Talent,” a showcase of performances by Westmoreland County acts, including some local teens. The show is set for 6 p.m. at Huber Hall, 300 S. Alexandria St., Latrobe.
Tickets for the talent show are $10 in advance, at givebutter.com/LGT, or $15 at the door. There is a VIP option available for a $25 donation.
“It’s an affordable evening that ties to the main event on the Fourth of July,” said Stephanie Babich Mihleder, event coordinator for the festival. “We had over 20 entries, mostly singers, and we have narrowed it down to seven acts to highlight. It was very hard to make the decision who was moving on to this event.”
Mihleder said judges will award scores for each performance, with the highest-scoring act claiming a $1,000 prize and an opportunity to perform at the July festival. Spectators who attend can place $1 votes for a People’s Choice Award.
The acts include: Anna Fridg, 14, a Greater Latrobe School District musical theater performer; Georgia Evans, 15, a singer and multi-instrumentalist on piano, guitar and violin; singer-guitarists Vince Bone, Davey D and Lacy May; and bands Broom and Cinders & Saints.
Mike Garris, lead singer of country rock band Saddle Up, will serve as the master of ceremonies. He’ll be joined by the band to close out the show with an hourlong set.
July 3 activities
This year’s festival will kick off with a variety of evening events on July 3 in downtown Latrobe.
“We’re going to have some bands, and there’s going to be food out on the street,” said Latrobe police Chief Richard Bosco, who is president of the festival board. “It’s pretty much going to be a block party.”
The first day of the festival will coincide with Latrobe’s monthly Shop Hop and Night Market. From 4 to 9 p.m., local artisans will display their wares and downtown stores will welcome shoppers.
Kids can take part in a Deck Your Wheels Parade, decorating anything with wheels to enter the event.
At 7 p.m. July 3, Greater Latrobe Parks and Recreation will host the annual Firecracker Race, beginning at Memorial Stadium. Participants can choose a 5-mile run or a 2-mile walk. Visit latroberecreation.org for information and registration.
July 4 activities
On July 4, children from local day care programs will have a featured spot in the festival parade along downtown streets. Other activities will take place at Legion Keener Park, including family-oriented fun, live entertainment and evening fireworks.
New this year, Mihleder said: Kids who attend can collect “Celebration Bucks,” which they will be able to spend on activities and food.
“They can spend the bucks the way they want, on anything from flavored ice to face painting,” she said, “and the Fourth of July board will pay for those services.
“We’re bringing in some things that might normally be expensive, but they will be available with the Celebration Bucks.”
New activities for kids will include a bungee ride and a Pokemon character visit.
The Greensburg-based Jamie Cordial Hall Foundation is helping to support youth-focused aspects of the festival, Mihleder said.
“We’re looking for more sponsors to make the festival even bigger and better,” she said, noting about 30,000 people attended last year.
Additional information and a detailed schedule for the festival will be posted at latrobecelebration.com.
Related events
Leading up to the festival, there are related dates to remember:
• The Miss 4th of July Pageant is set for 6 p.m. June 21 at Greater Latrobe Senior High. Women ages 14-20 can enter to compete for the title and scholarships. The winner will represent both the festival and the City of Latrobe. Admission is free for spectators.
• An interfaith patriotic service will be held at 3 p.m. June 29 at Latrobe Presbyterian Church. The featured speaker will be Greater Latrobe senior Marie Patterson, who won first place in a recent “Voice of Democracy” competition.