Fourth of July is just around the corner. Don’t have plans yet for how you’ll celebrate? Instead of sitting in shore-bound traffic, check out ATC’s guide to three Fourth of July events happening in and around the Chester County area for fun, flags, and fireworks close to home!
25th Annual Freedom Fest, Nottingham, PA
The Annual Freedom Fest at Nottingham County Park, held on the Saturday leading up to the Fourth of July (this year taking place on Saturday, July 2) is a longstanding annual Chester County tradition celebrating its 25th year in 2016.
This year, you can look forward to more outdoor community fun than ever before, from gravity-defying thrill rides that will have you twisting, turning, and cheering for more to an epic and energizing live concert by renowned country talent Texas Heat. Not to mention scrumptious festival-themed eats from some of the area’s finest food vendors and sample munchies from event sponsor Herr’s.
Enjoy it all amidst the shady trees and sunny swaths of Chester County’s first park! Guests are also encouraged to BYOP (bring your own picnic) and stick around after dark for Freedom Fest’s breathtaking fireworks display set to patriotic music.
For a complete parking guide, safety tips, and contact information, head to the Freedom Fest’s website.
Valley Forge Community Picnic in the Park, King of Prussia, PA
A visit to Valley Forge National Historical Park is an animated and illuminating walk back in time: 18th century structures and monuments, a trove of documents and artifacts, and 3,500 acres of historical landscapes bring to life what many cite as the turning point of the Revolutionary War. It’s an incredibly fitting place to spend America’s birthday.
Valley Forge’s free July 4th Community Picnic in the Park joins a community cookout with Independence Day fun. From watching living history demonstrations to learning drill etiquette from young on-the-spot Continental Army recruits, this family-friendly event offers you tons of ways to be engaged in and amazed by the story of our country’s founding.
This year’s picnic is extra special since the National Park Service is hitting a triple-digit anniversary (100!) and Valley Forge itself is turning 40.
Check out the full event schedule on the National Park Service’s website and get ready to party like it’s 1776.
Good Neighbor Day Celebration, Downingtown, PA
Each year the Downingtown community comes together on July 4th to celebrate Good Neighbor Day, an all-day, free admission festival that benefits fire and emergency providers throughout the region. As is tradition, Good Neighbor Day 2016 will get off to a running start at 8 am with a trio of road races, a 5K, 10K, and 15K.
Once the races have wrapped up, walk Kerr Park’s extensive plot that will be taken over by local crafters and artists, food vendors, carnival games, and live music. At dusk, festival attendees can nestle up on the park lawn and watch a spectacular fireworks finale light up the night sky. After attending one year, you’ll be quick to hop on the Good Neighbor Day train.
It’s not too late to sign up to participate in a Good Neighbor Day Run for Life race. Head to the event website to register and see all of the activities and contests taking place on July 4th in Downingtown.
Attending these low-cost events is a great way to celebrate the USA and our own communities coming together. Don’t miss ‘em!
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