A family tradition will return to campus this summer — the annual Fourth of July fireworks show. The Chamber of Commerce and the University are teaming up for the event, which is scheduled to start at 4 p.m. with numerous activities for kids and families. The celebration will culminate with a spectacular fireworks display, said Sharon Silva, CEO of the chamber.
“We’re really excited to partner with the University because it’s such a wonderful venue,” Silva said. “It’s great to bring the event back to campus, where it started decades ago.”
The public is invited to visit a variety of food trucks that will be on campus. The event will be alcohol-free to help ensure that the focus is on a safe and engaging environment for people of all ages.
President Joseph F. Sheley called the fireworks show a great example of the relationship the University is forging with the community.
“We’re very happy to be partnering with the Chamber to bring this tradition back to campus,” Sheley said. “We’ll be celebrating our nation’s history while at the same time providing the community a great place to have fun. In the past we’ve referred to ourselves as a hidden gem. With this event and others like it, I think you can get rid of ‘hidden.’ In still challenging budget times, we are committed to showing the community that this is their University.”
Although details are still being ironed out, the event will likely include music and craft vendors, and the city will provide children’s activities including bounce houses and face painting.
Sheley also sees the holiday gathering as an opportunity to showcase the campus for parents and potential students.
“Young people who grew up in this area but went away for college have told me they wish they’d seen the University for themselves before they made their decision,” the president said. “We want them to think of us as a destination campus.”