Bethel Park to bring back Summer Spectacular with more fireworks, viewing locations
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Bethel Park officials want residents and visitors to celebrate this summer with the biggest bang after covid canceled last year’s activities.
The borough’s Summer Spectacular returns June 26.
The inaugural event took place in 2018 and is normally held at Millennium Park.
However, it is far more spread out this year to help with social distancing.
Participants are asked to park in various parts of town starting at 7 p.m. and a fireworks display will be set off from the park at 9:40 p.m.
“We came up with the concept of decentralizing the event to keep guests comfortable and safe,” said borough manager Laurence Christian. “We found that by having disbursed viewing areas, we’ll actually enable more people to see the display. So, from that aspect, it turned out to be quite positive.”
Councilman Joe Consolmagno said the team organizing the event had everyone’s safety in mind.
“We didn’t know what to expect from covid, what the restrictions are and we wanted to give the residents something to look forward to,” he said. “Just like when we did the Memorial Day service, we want to get back to normal. We wanted to spread the program out so that everybody could have a taste of the event. It will come off well. I think it’s going to be well-received by everyone.”
Parking areas for the spectacular include:
• Abraham Lincoln Elementary School, 1524 Hamilton Road
• Hamilton Presbyterian Church, 4500 Hamilton Road
• Bethel Park Shop’n Save, 5001 Library Road
• Lowe’s, 5775 Baptist Road
• Giant Eagle/Walmart lot off Route 88
• Hillcrest Shopping Center except for near Bruster’s, 5000 Library Road
• St. Germaine Church, 7003 Baptist Road
Borough representatives will be on hand at each parking site.
“We’re very grateful for these businesses approving use of their lots for the program,” Christian said. “They saw what we wanted to do for the residents, and they were happy to assist us. We couldn’t have held the event without their help.”
Borough officials felt the event needed a boost after being lost to the pandemic last year.
“This year’s show by Celebration Fireworks will be about 25 minutes long and be much bigger than in previous years,” Christian said. “Because we’ll have Millennium Park closed for the event, we’ll be able to shoot the fireworks a bit higher so that more people will be able to see them.
“We really want everyone to enjoy the show. This is one of the bigger events that we’re doing as we emerge from the dark days of the pandemic and we’re looking forward to holding such a positive program that will hopefully bring joy to our residents of all ages.”
Refreshments will be sold at some parking locations. Guests are asked to check the borough’s website, bethelpark.net, or its Facebook page, Municipality of Bethel Park, for updates.
The event may be moved to June 27 at the same time should there be inclement weather.