Fourth of July parade traditions run deep in communities like Latrobe and Canonsburg
The Pittsburgh area is celebrating the Fourth of July with plenty of fireworks, and in communities like Latrobe and Canonsburg, parades.
Latrobe Fourth of July parade 56 years in the marching
Nothing says the Fourth of July like a small-town parade that's grown into a huge celebration.
In the City of Latrobe, which has a population of around 8,000 people, there are few occasions in which you will see almost the entire town turn out in one place at one time.
But every year since 1969, except in 2020 during the pandemic, on the Fourth of July, Latrobe and its surrounding municipalities come out to march, to cheer, and to show off their civic and national pride.
Latrobe resident Krystina D'Angelo has been coming to this parade for years and this year, she came out not only to watch the parade but to see her son marching in it.
"I just like it because everybody gets together, and it is a big ordeal," D'Angelo said. "And it is the biggest thing to happen in Latrobe other than Steeler training camp."
While many packed their own food, or even grabbed some candy being thrown into the streets, many sought a delicious slice of Americana. Carmine's Pizza and Pasta sits right along the parade route on Ligonier Street and the owners say that events like this in the city are huge for them both personally and as a business.
"Every single year, I tell you, we look forward to this day," said Chris Sylvania, the co-owner of Carmine's. "Not only just for me, but this town, they look forward to this day. They come here every single year. It's tradition. And now, I am just trying to keep it alive as everyone is, so I hope that everyone is enjoying this town as much as me."
Yes, enjoyment could be seen everywhere on this holiday and there seemed to be no talk of a red or a blue side, just one great celebration of things America. And for folks like Johnna Pugner-Queer of Latrobe, this was a celebration of life.
"You hear that noise? That's my favorite. Gathering. Happiness," Pugner-Queer said. "I'm lucky. I am currently battling small cell lung cancer and bone cancer and if it weren't for my village, I don't know what I would do. I am thankful. Happy Fourth of July."
Canonsburg celebrates Fourth of July with 62nd annual parade
What started as chairs on a sidewalk in Canonsburg quickly turned into a sea of stars and stripes as the annual Fourth of July parade kicked off on Friday.
"My wife and I have been coming for 30 years and it's a lot of fun," said Mark Gross.
Now in its 62nd year, the Canonsburg parade has become a generational reunion.
"My dad was involved for over 50 years. I want to carry on this tradition for this town, put on this celebration, not just to make him proud, but continue this for this town," said parade chair Bethany Ludwin.
And families are all in, setting out seats days before, just to keep the tradition rolling.
"We put our chairs out 48 hours before. We got here this morning around 6:30 to get everything set up," said Stephanie Lloyd.
And of course, no Fourth of July parade is complete without the kiddos, who were very excited for candy.
Between the early morning setup, the smell of grilled hot dogs and patriotic outfits, it's Canonsburg's favorite way to celebrate America.
"It just grew into a big giant family and friend function," said Joseph Graff.
