By Marilyn Odesser-Torpey
Harrisburg and Hershey will be celebrating Independence Day in a big way, with lots of fun, fanfare and, of course, fireworks. Our state capital will be getting a head start on the holiday by kicking off its three-day
Jazz and Multicultural Festival on Saturday, July 3. Six stages will showcase live national, regional and local entertainers representing a wide range of countries, cultures and musical genres from folk to jazz (including the renowned
Duke Ellington Legacy Band. A special children’s stage will present performances focused on families. The festival runs through Monday, July 5th and will include a capitol city-worthy Independence Day fireworks display. Check the
website for specific event locations. Oh and, by the way, all of the events are free!
Guests at
Hersheypark (left) will have a front-row seat for Chocolate Town U.S.A.’s July 4th after-dark sky spectacle following a day of coasters, kids’ rides and wild water attractions. Regular park
admission prices apply. You can also enjoy everything from barbecue to a bird’s eye view of the Hersheypark fireworks at “A Star-Spangled Picnic” at
Hershey Gardens. From 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., guests will have private access to the gardens’ botanical bonanza, live entertainment and a catered picnic feast. Admission is $25 for adults, $15 for juniors. Be sure to make your reservations before June 28.
Rain date for the Hersheypark and Hershey Gardens events is July 5th.