Pageant, Music, Fireworks Planned For 'J4' Celebration

Despite the absence of rides for the first time in more than 50 years, Morrisons Cove Memorial Park has a full slate of events scheduled for its Fourth of July celebration.

The six-day “J4” event will begin Monday, July 1, and run through Saturday, July 6.

Bartlebaugh Amusements out of Madisonburg, which has been offering concessions and rides at the park for more than 50 years, is not willing to provide rides for the week of July 4 this year.

Highlights of the week will include the Little Miss Morrisons Cove Pageant on July 1, the ag parade on July 2, fireworks shows on July 3 and July 6 and musical entertainment by Josh Gallagher on July 5.

Opening Day

Returning this year will be the Little Miss Morrisons Cove Pageant on Monday, July 1. Also scheduled for that day are a boys’ Sumo wrestling contest, a garden tractor pull and the annual Wing Fest from 5 to 7 p.m.

Back in the Day will perform from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. on July 1.

Parade

The 37th annual Ag Parade will be held Tuesday, July 2, during the park’s July 4th Celebration. The parade is held to honor agriculture, the military, area businesses, civic groups and marching units. The parade will start at 6 p.m. Participants are asked to line up no later than 5:30 p.m. at the following locations:

1) Parade dignitaries, marching groups and antique cars will meet at the Brethren in Christ Church parking lot.

2) Floats and participants will meet at Sunset Drive.

3) Fire trucks and tractor trailers will meet on Apple Packer Road.

4) Agricultural equipment, businesses, horses and remaining entries will meet at Central High School.

If you have questions concerning the parade, please contact Steve Mowry at stemow@aol.com. Confirmation of your participation for the 2019 parade would be appreciated.

The SharpTones will provide musical entertainment from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. on July 2.

Scheduled on Wednesday, July 3 are a teen dance, musical entertainment by Bone Jacked from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. and the first fireworks show.

On Thursday, July 4, will be Fourth of July specials and Cove Idol.

Josh Gallagher will perform from 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday, July 5. Gallagher, a native of Cresson, was a top four finalist on the singing competition show “The Voice” in 2016.

On Saturday, July 6, there will be an indoor craft show, musical entertainment by The Dillons from 7 to 9 p.m. and a fireworks show to conclude the celebration.

Martinsburg Booster

Chicken Barbecue

In conjunction with the park’s celebration, the Martinsburg Booster Association will hold its annual chicken barbecue from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (or until sold out) on Saturday, July 6, at the Booster Alley Kitchen at the park.

Tickets are available at the park, Martinsburg Community Library, Homewood at Martinsburg, First National Bank, Altoona First Bank and from Booster members. Proceeds will benefit community projects.