Wilkes-Barre’s 2018 Old Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration Announced

Mayor Tony George is happy to announce the 2018 Old Fashioned 4th of July Celebration. The event will take place on Wednesday, July 4th and festivities will begin at noon. Kirby Park will host food vendors, craft vendors, amusement rides and games during the afternoon, along with music and fireworks in the evening.

Entertainment is presented by platinum sponsors: Mericle Commercial Real Estate Services, Price Chopper, and Visit Luzerne County; gold sponsors: Martz Group, and Berkshire Hathaway Guard Insurance Company; and silver sponsors: Colours Inc., Service Electric Cable TV & Communications, and the Westmoreland Club.

The Starfires will perform from 7:30 PM until 9:30 PM. The Starfires are comprised of Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski (vocals), Charles McCuen (vocals/percussion), Bob Gardner (Alto Saxophone, Flute, Vocals), Roger “Griff” Griffith (Electric Bass, Vocals), Richard “R. Jay” Gumbravich (Drums), Sheffe Abraham (Guitar), and Louie Cosa (Guitar, Keyboards).

“The Starfires” were organized in the late 1950s. Many popular recording artists played with the “original Starfires” during the 1960s, while on tour performing their hit records. Among these artists were Chubby Checker, Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons, Bob Goldsboro, Freddie Cannon, Patti & The Emblems, and The Shangri-La’s. Hanson’s Amusement Park at Harvey’s Lake and the Starfire Ballroom in Wilkes-Barre were the setting for most of these performances. Now, more than 4 decades later, the group has reorganized and are enjoying their music and rekindled friendships once again.

Mohegan Sun Pocono is proud to be the sponsor of the 2018 Old Fashioned Fourth of July Fireworks Display. “We are excited to be a part of the Wilkes-Barre Annual 4th of July Firework celebration for a second year, as the exclusive sponsor this July. It is a night out for families and friends in our community to relax, have fun and view the spectacular firework show.” said Mohegan Sun Pocono President and CEO, Anthony Carlucci.

The Fireworks display is conducted by Skyshooter Displays of Wapwallopen, PA. Skyshooter Displays has been custom designing firework displays for over 25 years. Fireworks will begin at Dusk.

“Thanks to our generous sponsors, we are able to continue to celebrate our nation’s birthday with family-friendly entertainment and fireworks” said Mayor Tony George. “The City is proud to host this yearly event and Special Events Coordinator Patty Hughes does a great job organizing everything. Members of our Public Works, Police, and Fire departments are on hand to ensure that the celebration is safe. There is no better way to commemorate Independence Day than to celebrate with all members of our community.”

The City reminds residents and visitors that alcoholic beverages, glass containers, smoking, and personal fireworks (including sparklers) are prohibited in Kirby Park. Additionally, dogs are not permitted in the park during the Fourth of July, per City Ordinance Sec. 5-13(c): "No dog shall be allowed in or on any public park or property within the confines of the City of Wilkes-Barre that is being used as a location for a city-sanctioned event". Kirby Park will close immediately after the conclusion of the fireworks.