LAWRENCE COUNTY City will celebrate fireworks legacy

This year's event is dedicated to George Zambelli, who died in December.
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- This city, which calls itself the Fireworks Capital of America, will celebrate a legacy of pyrotechnics during its annual fireworks festival July 10 at West Washington Street and the Columbus Innerbelt downtown.
Activities will start at 2:30 p.m. with an expanded children's area that includes bounce rides, a trackless train, a martial arts demonstration, puppet and magic shows, clowns, hair art and an area for arts and crafts.
Performers will include the New Castle Playhouse Mini Stars, Dorals, Last Call and the Lawrence County Brass.
Duck race
Around 7 p.m., the American Cancer Society will drop thousands of rubber ducks into Neshannock Creek for a race. The owner of the winning duck gets a $1,000 prize.
Taking center stage at 2:30 p.m. will be the under-21 finalists in an idol talent competition. Adult finalists will compete at 7:30 p.m. The preliminary competition for those under 21 will be at 5:30 p.m. June 24 at the New Castle Playhouse, 202 Long Ave., and adult preliminary competition will be at 8 p.m. June 26 at Shad Hanna's Restaurant, 1046 Butler Ave.
The preliminary competitions will be open to the first 50 in each age group to sign in at each location, on a first-come, first-served basis. Preliminary competition charges are $5 for children and $10 for adults. There are no additional fees for finalists. Prizes will be given to winners in the youth and adult categories.
The winner in each category will perform again when the Spirit of America motorcycle ride passes though the city Sept. 8.
The festival will end at 10 p.m. with a fireworks display by Zambelli Internationale. This year's festival is dedicated to the memory of George Zambelli, owner of Zambelli Internationale, who died in December.
Sponsors include Giant Eagle, Sky Bank, D.J. Hannon & amp; Sons, Ellwood Quality Steel and the city.