The East Brady Area Riverfest organizers affirm that although Riverfest is still off, the annual fireworks display will take place.

The 35th annual festival, scheduled for July 16 to 19 was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the annual fireworks display will be held July 18.

Festival planning begins in March, but organizers didn’t want to solicit sponsors due to the pandemic, and decided to cancel the festival in April, said Luanne McAnallen, Riverfest committee treasurer.

The festival typically begins with a parade and features a carnival, bands, food vendors, games and other activities. “But we still wanted to do something for the community,” McAnallen said. “We’re still having fireworks. This year, they’re going to be bigger and better than ever.”

The fireworks will be set off from a hillside across the river from East Brady beginning at dark, McAnallen said.