Celebrate the Fourth with a bang at University Park

Celebrate the Fourth with a bang at University Park

University Park, Pa. -- Visitors to Penn State's University Park campus will have plenty of entertainment options for the Fourth of July with a host of family-oriented activities taking place at The Bryce Jordan Center culminating in an explosive display of fireworks at Beaver Stadium.

The Jordan Center is featuring the 10th annual Sovereign Bank Family Playground, where a variety of new rides including a Giant Shark Slide, Monkey Bounce, Lady Bug Bounce, Jurassic Adventure, Tiki Rock Climb, Western Round Up Obstacle Course, Seaplay Children's Center and the Scooby Doo 5 in 1 Play Center, beckon youngsters. A number of old favorites will be available. The Centre County Kid ID Program, sponsored by State College Police in partnership with Centre County local law enforcement agencies and the Fraternal Order of Police, also will be on hand.

All rides and games will require only one ticket per activity. Tickets cost $1 each. All-access ride passes will also be available for only $9.50. The Playground will be open from 3 to 9 p.m. Admission to The Bryce Jordan Center is free. A variety of food concessions will be available.

Meanwhile over at fireworks central, an evening of activities will lead up to the main event -- the Central PA 4th Fest's 40-minute fireworks display will kick off at 9:20 p.m. About 80,000 people are expected to watch from the parking areas surrounding the stadium while thousands more will be gathered on high points throughout the region to watch the display. More than 11,000 shells will be launched during the show, which is choreographed to music broadcast simultaneously on radio station 93.7 The Bus and televised live on WJAC. The event is billed as the country's largest all-volunteer fireworks display.

On July 4, the celebration kicks off with Firecracker 4K race in the morning, followed by a variety of children's activities, musical performances, a magic show by Penn State President Graham B. Spanier, an apple pie contest, a climbing wall, demonstrations by a Civil War re-enactment group and visits from strolling historical characters. Activities begin at 4 p.m. and take place in Lot 44, the Jordan Center's Founders Lot and nearby grassy areas. For the full schedule of activities as well as parking information, check http://www.4thfest.org/

Because of the event, Porter Road will be closed around 5 p.m, according to University Police. Curtin Road between University Drive and Porter Road will be restricted at various points during the day. Motorists traveling to the event are asked to watch for electronic message boards at strategic locations around the stadium and main access roads that will have updated information about the event. Police also cautioned the public that no alcohol or fireworks will be permitted at the event and that motorists cannot stop or park along the highways.

Parking at Lot 44 and at Stadium West will be restricted. The lots open at 9 a.m. The cost is $7. Special V.I.P. fireworks viewing packages are available from The Bryce Jordan Ticket Center by calling (814) 865-5555.

Complete your evening:

-- Coming from out of town? Reserve a room at The Nittany Lion Inn or The Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel by going online at http://www1.pshs.psu.edu

The Nittany Lion Inn will feature a Fourth of July package for $139 which includes: one guestroom for up to a family of four for July 4 only; Creamery ice cream before the fireworks; breakfast on July 5; and a family fun pack. The Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel has a special $69 rate for the holiday.

-- Going to dinner before the show? Get a dining reservation at The Nittany Lion Inn or The Penn Stater by calling (814) 865-8590.