Six Places to Celebrate the Fourth This Weekend

It’s America’s birthday (number 235!), and there are plenty of free events and festivals throughout Montgomery County and the surrounding area for all ages. Here are six good ones for you to attend:

• Ambler Kiwanis Club annual Carnival and Fireworks Friday and Saturday: This event is held at Wissahickon High School and will still be operating July 1 (tonight) and Saturday, July 2. There is family fun for all ages with rides and games all day. On Friday night, the annual fireworks display will start at 9 p.m., with $5 parking in the parking lot.
  
  
• Oreland Lions annual parade: This parade, sponsored by the Oreland Lions, a community volunteer organization, will take place July 4  at 10 a.m. The parade will go throughout Oreland starting on Pennsylvania Avenue between Lafayette and Bridge Street, and will end at Marlow Field on Lyster Road. There will be food and games for kids.
  
  
• 108th Annual Glenside Independence Day Celebration and Fourth of July Parade: This is an all-day celebration, with activities for all ages. Starting at 10 a.m., there will be a parade for independence-decorated bicycles and strollers on Keswick Avenue, followed by boys and girls sporting events and free refreshments. Later in the day, there will be the annual parade (one of America’s oldest), featuring the VFW Post 676 and various other community members. At 9 p.m., there will be a fireworks display at Abington High School.
  
  
• Welcome America! (Philadelphia’s 11 day Fourth of July celebration): This free festival has many events over 11 days such as a movie night at Love Park, and a day where children can go to the Franklin Institute to learn about the science of fireworks. However, the main attraction, as always, will be the large concert on the Ben Franklin Parkway on the Fourth. This concert is hosted by The Roots and features artists ranging from all over the spectrum including Earth, Wind, and Fire, Michael McDonald, Estelle, DJ Jazzy Jeff, and Sara Bareilles. As you might suspect, there will be a brilliant fireworks display over the Philadelphia Art Museum to cap off the event.
  
  
• Skippack Village Fourth of July Parade and Fireworks: As a historic encampment for Washington’s troops during the Revolutionary War, Skippack loves hosting a parade every year. This year, it will take place at 11 a.m., going down Skippack Pike. There will be food and craft vendors lined up down the road, as well as barbecue at Parc Bistro. At 3 p.m., the Reilly Raiders drum and bugle corp will be performing, followed by a fireworks display at dusk.
  
  
• Conshohocken All-American Soap Box Derby: Sponsored by the Conshohocken AMBUCS, the 60th annual race will take place Monday. Come watch boys and girls aged 8 to 18 race their self-built soap box cars down Fayette Street in Conshohocken starting at 9 a.m. and going all day with a picnic at the end.

Lastly, be safe for the holiday. Designate a driver, and leave the fireworks displays to the professionals. We want all of our beloved readers to stay healthy and well, and to enjoy this great American day of celebration. Cheers!