New Castle gets set for Fireworks Festival Weekend

Staff report

New Castle, Pa.

Fireworks Festival Weekend begins Thursday and continues through Saturday.

The weekend begins with “Bike Night: Get on the Road to Reading” at 5:30 p.m. Thursday with an escorted motorcycle parade from New Castle Harley- Davidson, 4655 U.S. Route 422, to the Scottish Rite Cathedral, 110 E. Lincoln Ave.

The $10 admission fee at the cathedral includes buffet and silent auction.

On Friday, there will be a performance at 6 p.m. by the Manhattan Band at the Riverwalk amphitheater on East Washington Street. Entertainment at the band’s intermission will be provided by the Pa. Martial Arts Academy. A fireworks display by Sky King Fireworks will be at 9.

On Saturday, the event begins at 3 p.m. along Columbus Inner Belt and concludes with a fireworks display presented at 10 by the internationally award- winning fireworks company Pyrotecnico of New Castle.

Entertainment includes the New Castle Playhouse Mini Stars at 3 p.m.; fireworks idol competition at 4:30; the Dorals at 6; and Rudy Zetz 4th and Main at 8.

The popular Ducky Derby takes place along Neshannock Creek at 7:30 p.m. There will be new inflatable attractions for children, including a jousting pit and giant shark slide. Other amusements are mechanical bull riding, rock -wall unit for climbing, bungee jumping, Mickey Mouse bouncer, giant slide and trackless train. The attractions are available from 3 to 9.

Pony rides will be available from 4 to 7 p.m. Fees vary from $1 to $2 for the amusements; some attractions will cost $5.

Back by popular demand is the Lego Building Contest. There is no charge to participate; however, pre-registration is requested by calling the Lawrence County Builders Association at 724-658-4432.

A number of free activities will be available within the children’s tent from 3 to 8 p.m. These include face painting, watercolor fireworks, child safety-awareness wheel and tattoos.

For more information, call 724-654-8408.