Did you know that Americans set off over 273.6 million pounds of fireworks in 2023? We love our patriotic celebrations, and this enthusiasm peaks on July 4th, the day we broke free from Great Britain.
As you can imagine, it's a huge reason to go nuts, and it's the perfect excuse for seasonal fun. But if you're an older adult, you have to be more selective about which activities you do. That way, you don't tire yourself out or suffer from injuries.
Fortunately, those who live in Latrobe, PA, will have many July 4th events to choose from. Read on for a list of senior-friendly activities you can consider!
Start the festivities early on Thursday, July 3rd by attending the block party in Downtown Latrobe. It's held on Ligonier Street and is one of the most exciting Latrobe community gatherings around.
From 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm, you and your loved ones can walk around the street, picking up tasty items at the numerous food trucks. Local eateries will be serving food too.
From 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, there will be live music outside Carmine's Restaurant, so you can get your groove on. Otherwise, partake in the shop hop and night market to find great local goods.
There are several other events happening during the evening, and the night ends with the Deck Your Wheels Parade at 6:45 pm. It starts at Adams Memorial Library and stops at Weldon Street. Kids will decorate things like bikes and wagons in their own patriotic spirit!
If you're still looking for early Independence Day events and are an active senior, you can participate in the Firecracker Run and Walk. This is hosted by Greater Latrobe Parks and Recreation, and it starts at 7:00 pm on July 3rd.
The race is held at Latrobe Memorial Stadium and costs $25 to register if you do so before June 27th. Otherwise, it'll cost $30.
There's a 5-mile run and a 2-mile walk, and there will be 8 age divisions. It's a fantastic way to warm up for the many events you'll attend on July 4th!
On July 4th, the kids will have another parade at 10:30 am, and the theme is "A Celebration of Youth." They'll go through Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood, aka Latrobe! The parade starts at Ligonier Street and James Streetm and ends at Chestnut Street.
This parade will feature festive floats, including ones from local daycare programs. There will also be a veterans' salute, which is perfect for reflection and appreciation.
As you stand on the downtown streets to see this charming display, you'll be reminded of why you love Latrobe so much. The warm community vibe is perfect for bringing the grandkids and spending quality time with them to strengthen your bond.
Here's the main attraction: an all-day celebration at Legion-Keener Park! It all kicks off right after the kids' parade, which will be around 12:30 pm.
Activities here include:
Whenever you're hungry, you can browse the food vendors that have a variety of tasty local eats.
If your grandchildren are under 17, then go to the Robindale Large Pavilion. Each kid can get a packet of Celebration Bucks, which they can use for various activities, games, and treats. This currency comes with a set budget and worksheet, so it'll teach the kids how to budget wisely.
After you've spent an entire day at the fun-filled Legion-Keener Park celebration, it all culminates with a spectacular fireworks display at 9:30 pm. If you haven't seen your loved ones all day, then this is the perfect excuse to get everyone together for an amazing end to the day.
Rest easy knowing that there's comfortable viewing from either park benches or lawn seating. Together, you and your family can gather and view this vibrant, patriotic show. Just remember to wear earbuds or earplugs to protect your hearing.
An excellent way to engage with the community and get in touch with your spiritual side is to attend interfaith services.
What's great is that in Latrobe, there's a patriotic interfaith service on Sunday, June 29th. At 3:00 pm, people from all faiths can attend this service at Latrobe Presbyterian Church. Greater Latrobe Senior Marie Patterson will speak at this service.
Afterward, you'll be free to mingle with the residents of this community. You just might find some new friends with whom you can attend July 4th events!
A short drive away is the Westmoreland Arts and Heritage Festival. This is its 51st year, and it runs from July 3-6.
This is a free event and features over 200 artisan booths. They come from all over the country, and you can buy:
As you walk around, you'll discover live, non-stop music on four different stages. There are also poetry and short story readings.
To fill your rumbling stomach, you can browse the food vendors. There are all sorts of ethnic foods, so your taste buds can take a trip around the world.
Want to get away from it all this Independence Day? Then go 50 miles southeast to Laurel Caverns for an educational day trip.
There are guided show cave tours that depart every half-hour. During this 45-minute tour, you'll walk through the cave and end with a self-guided tour at the end. It's specifically designed to suit the general public, so it won't be difficult to traverse.
You'll enjoy cooler underground temperatures, plus you can pan for gemstones afterward, too.
There's a diverse yet accessible range of July 4th events to do in Latrobe, so there's no excuse for staying in on that day. From fireworks and parades to festivals and excursions, there are numerous activities that are suitable for older adults of all fitness levels.
So call up your loved ones and invite them out for Independence Day in the city. You're sure to make wonderful new memories!
Contact us today if you'd like to learn more about personal care in Latrobe, PA. Barnes Place Personal Care is a pet-friendly community.