Miller Minutes
County residents should expect fireworks and sparklers to be in abundance this weekend.
As a child, I was intensely afraid of fireworks. It didn’t matter that they were pretty; the cannon-like cacophony they created outweighed the array of colors.
Sparklers also produced a fearful reaction, as I was always scared of getting burned.
Loud noises, and fire, still make me uncomfortable, but I’ve come to appreciate the artistic displays accompanying the Fourth of July.
Independence Day is my favorite holiday because it’s smack-dab in the middle of summer, includes parades and picnics and pools, and is a great opportunity to spend time with those you love.
If you’re around the next few days, check out these events and look to the skies for many fireworks shows. Just make sure you always stand at a safe distance, and maybe bring along some earplugs.
The Saxonburg Fireman’s Carnival starts at 6 p.m. every evening until Saturday, July 1. The Fireman’s Parade is scheduled for tonight, Thursday, June 29.
The Butler County Symphony Orchestra will perform a free summer concert celebrating America called “Music under the Stars” at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 29, at the Cranberry Township Community Park amphitheater, 111 Ernie Mashuda Drive.
The Butler County Symphony Orchestra’s weekly concert takes place at noon every Friday this summer. On June 30, the featured musical guest is Rock Bottom. Listen to music via Facebook livestream, stop by the symphony’s office on Main Street to see them in action, or listen from Diamond Park in Butler.
The Big Butler Fair is starting at 9 a.m. with the carnival opening at 3 p.m. Friday, June 30. There will be concerts, rides, games, food and fireworks throughout the week.
The Slippery Rock Golf Club & Events Center, 160 Ralston Road, is allowing members and nonmembers to celebrate Independence Day on the grounds at 7 p.m. Friday, June 30. There will be live music, and fireworks start at 9:30 p.m. Take blankets or chairs for seating.
Slippery Rock is celebrating Independence Day in a big way Saturday, July 1, starting at 12:30 p.m. with the raising of an especially large American flag. Following the ceremony, there will be food, crafts, a carnival and beverage vendors on South Main Street from 4 to 10 p.m. Fireworks will start at 9:55 p.m.
Learn about and experience the winged creatures that light up the night at Jennings Environmental Education Center, 2951 Prospect Road, Brady Township, at a firefly presentation from 8:30 to 10 p.m. Saturday, July 1.
The Fallen Heroes Memorial will be in Zelienople’s Four Corners Park over the holiday. The memorial arrives Sunday, July 2, and stays through Wednesday, July 5. The large display is to recognize the sacrifices made by servicemen and women.
The July Night Swim and Evans City’s fireworks will begin at 6 p.m. Sunday, July 2, in EDCO Park, 154 W. Main St. There will be live music, pool games, food and fireworks. Pool members pay $2 admission; nonmembers pay $5.
Zelienople’s Community Park on East Beaver Street will be packed with food trucks, fun and fireworks Tuesday, July 4, for a community day. The Rotary parade begins at 11 a.m., swimming starts at noon, and live music begins at 1 p.m.
Fireworks in Mars are being set off at dust Monday, July 3, but the July 4 Celebration on Tuesday includes food at noon, a 3 p.m. parade and various vendors downtown.
