4th of July, the Laurel Highlands Way

July 2nd, 2009

Whether you are visiting the Laurel Highlands for the holiday or you’re a resident of the region, this is a perfect weekend to be here! Here’s a rundown of the events going on this weekend:

Wednesday July 1 – Saturday July 4
Latrobe 4th of July Celebration in Downtown Latrobe
If you’d like to get a workout in before your 4th of July cookout, participate in a 5 mile run or 2 mile walk through downtown Latrobe! The race begins at 7pm on Friday at Memorial Stadium. On Saturday, the Annual Parade starts at 10:30 a.m. and
Mid Way activities open at 1 p.m. with rides, crafts and games. Fireworks start at 9:30 p.m. at Legion Keener Park Area. Insider tip: For a great view of the fireworks (and the mountains), bring a chair or blanket to Saint Vincent College.

Thursday July 2 – Sunday July 5
Westmoreland Arts & Heritage Festival at Twin Lakes Park, Greensburg
This annual event brings in over 150,000 happy visitors! There are 275 Artist Market booths and craftspeople, 40 ethnic food vendors, 90 performances on 5 stages with all music genres, strolling mimes, magicians and costumed characters. The kids will love the petting zoo and Children’s Activity Zone with interactive crafts & entertainment. Get more details at www.artsandheritage.com.

Thursday July 2 – Sunday July 5
4th of July Weekend at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort
This weekend is overflowing with fun things to do at Nemacolin. Get your dose of nostalgia with a three-legged relay race, potato sack race, pie eating contest and water balloon toss. Other highlights of the weekend include a miniature golf tournament, “Wild Animals” Show at the WildSide, “Tour of Nemacolin / Bacardi Crawl” and live music. Fireworks will launch at 9:30 on Saturday. Insider tip: Fireworks best viewed from Lafayette Gardens, The WildSide and Links Pro Shop Parking Lot. www.nemacolin.com

Friday July 3
Battle Anniversary Commemoration at Fort Necessity National Battlefield
Join the National Park Service in commemorating the 255th anniversary of the Battle of Fort Necessity. Geologist Albert Kollar of Carnegie Mellon Museum of Natural History presents “Geology and the French and Indian War in Western Pennsylvania” at the Fort Necessity visitor center. Following the program, there will be a reading of the honor roll of casualties at Fort Necessity. www.nps.gov/fone

Friday July 3 – Sunday July 5
West Newton Fourth of July Festival in Goehring Park
This West Newton festival features an Oldies Dance, Rock the Yough Concert, canoe & kayak races, walking tours and a Triathlon on the Yough River. Fireworks display will light up the sky on Saturday night. www.dwni.org

Saturday, July 4 from 12 – 3 PM
A Family Fourth at the Westmoreland Museum of American Art
The Museum is open on July 4th from 11 AM to 5 PM and admission is free. Between the hours of 12-3pm, visitors are invited to a free old-fashioned ice cream social and to explore the art of our own country with special art activity. www.wmuseumaa.org for more information.

Saturday July 4 – Sunday July 5
Independence Day Celebration at Seven Springs Mountain Resort
Seven Springs celebrates the official start of summer with festive activities, great events, live entertainment and plenty of family fun. Take a ride down the Alpine Slide, go fly fishing, take a shot at sporting clays or relax in the new Trillium Spa. Not to mention, Zambelli’s largest fireworks show ever at Seven Springs! www.7springs.com

Saturday July 4
Rockwood to Confluence Bike Ride on the Great Allegheny Passage
Discover one of the most scenic sections of the Great Allegheny Passage. The 38-mile round trip ride begins at 10am in Rockwood’s town square and follows the Casselman River to Confluence. Have lunch in a bike-friendly restaurant and then pedal back to Rockwood. www.ventureoutdoors.org

Saturday July 4
4th of July Celebration at Idlewild & SoakZone
Voted #2 Best Kid’s Park In The World by “Amusement Today”, Idlewild & SoakZone is an ideal way to entertain the youngsters. Take a ride on the new “Tea Party” and explore “Safari Hut” in Jumpin’ Jungle. Be sure to stay for the fireworks display at 10:00 p.m.! www.idlewild.com

Saturday July 4
Evening Eco-Paddle at Laurel Hill State Park Complex
If you’re seeking some quality time outdoors this weekend, try an evening of exploration on Laurel Hill Lake. Paddle your way through the fascinating flora and fauna of a beautiful mountain lake. Eco-Paddle begins at 6:00 at the beach below Willis Pavilion.

Saturday July 4
Red, Wright & Blues Celebration at Frank Lloyd Wright’s Duncan House at Polymath Park Resort
Wright fans unite for an enchanting day of music, food and exciting architecture.
Take advantage of free admission to the beautiful Blum House Meadow for live blues entertainment. Frank Lloyd Wright’s Duncan House Tours will be at 3 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. www.polymathpark.com

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