Mars to host 2-day America250 celebration starting July 3
In honor of the country’s semiquincentennial, the borough of Mars is turning its annual Fourth of July event into a two-day America250 celebration, to be held between Friday and Saturday, July 3 and 4.
On both days, the festivities will encompass the downtown section of Mars and Marburger Field.
On Friday, July 3, downtown visitors can experience a petting zoo at St. John Lutheran Church, as well as ride on the Mars Shortline train at the Mars Area History and Landmarks Society on Brickyard Road.
Friday’s ceremonies and activities at Marburger Field will begin at 5 p.m., starting with tributes to Chester Marburger, a former postmaster and local baseball manager, and Carl Wood, a Mars Area High School football player and Tuskegee Airman. The field will also host a Punt, Pass & Kick contest and an exhibition softball game.
At 8 p.m. Friday, the Council of Three Rivers American Indian Center will put on a special dance presentation honoring the Lenape and Seneca tribes who first settled the region well over 250 years ago.
At 11 a.m. Saturday, July 4, a ceremony will be held at the site of the U.S.S. Mars’ bell to dedicate a new flagpole.
The same day, Mars will hold its traditional Fourth of July parade, starting at Marburger Field and ending in downtown Mars. Marburger Field will also host a community cookout at 6:30 p.m., followed by the annual fireworks display at 8 p.m.
The borough is seeking financial sponsorship from local businesses and individuals for the event. Five different tiers of sponsorship are available, ranging in from “friend” at $100, to “hometown” at $200, “independence” at $500, “liberty” at $1,000 and “community champion” at $2,500. All sponsorship tiers include the benefactor’s name displayed on signage. More advanced benefits are available at higher tiers.
For more information, contact the Mars Borough office at 724-625-1858.
