Zippo Manufacturing Company will host the America250PA-McKean County Celebration Concert and Fireworks Display on Thursday, July 2 from 3 –10:30 p.m. at the Zippo/Case Museum & Flagship Store. The family-friendly event is free and open to the public and will feature food trucks, bounce houses, balloon art, facepainting, a petting zoo, giveaways and music by Darkwater Duo, the Twin Tiers Community Band and Tim Zimmerman and the King’s Brass, concluding with fireworks by Skylighters Fireworks of Western NY.
One of the main highlights of the celebration will be the ceremonial raising of a massive 30’ x 60’ American flag at 6 p.m., which will be accompanied by a proclamation and remarks from Zippo officials and local dignitaries. Following the flag raising, a giant American flag-themed birthday cake will be served courtesy of Bradford’s Walmart Supercenter.
“We’re thrilled to honor America’s 250th anniversary with not only this event but with the permanent installation of a spectacular American flag on the museum grounds,” said Brent Tyler, vice president of global marketing for Zippo Manufacturing Company. “After months of preparation, we’re excited to celebrate the people, pride and spirit that move our nation forward with an incredible landmark that our communities can be proud of.”
The 150-foot flagpole was installed by the Onsted, MI-based The Flagpole Company with support from local contractors E&M Engineers (foundation engineering); Pure Tech, LLC (lighting and electrical); and Hurd’s Construction (foundations and concrete base); as well as the City of Bradford for permitting and approvals.
In addition to officially licensed America250™ lighters, limited-edition Collectibles will be available for purchase in the Zippo Store starting at 9 a.m. until supplies run out.
The headlining concert, sponsored by Bradford Creative & Performing Arts Center (BCPAC) and the American Refining Group, will feature Tim Zimmerman and The King’s Brass, an internationally recognized nine-piece brass ensemble based in Fort Wayne, Indiana that has blended uplifting and patriotic music for over four decades, incorporating traditional brass instrumentals with jazz, big band and orchestral elements to celebrate American heritage.
The day’s event will culminate with a Grand Finale of brass players from around the county to honor our nation with the playing of Irving Berlin’s “God Bless America” and John Philip Sousa’s “Stars and Stripes Forever,” along with a spectacular fireworks display by Skylighters Fireworks of Western NY around 9:30 p.m.
Parking at the Museum will not be available; instead, visitors are invited to park at Zippo’s manufacturing and fuel plants on Congress Street, with shuttle service to and from the museum grounds starting at 3 p.m. and running throughout the event. No alcohol, weapons, bags/coolers or outside food or beverages will be permitted. Follow the Zippo/Case Museum & Flagship Store’s Facebook page for upcoming Zippo-sponsored events and visit mckeancounty.america250pa.org for information on local America250 events.
This special event is made possible through a grant from America250PA and these sponsors: Zippo Manufacturing Company, Bradford Area Alliance, American Refining Group, The Blaisdell Foundation, McKean County, Bradford Creative & Performing Arts Center, Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau, Family Life, Skylighters Fireworks, Bradford Forest Products, and Bradford Walmart Supercenter.
EVENT SCHEDULE
- 9 a.m. – America250™ lighters and limited-edition Collectibles available in the Flagship Store while supplies last
- Noon – 8 p.m. – Vendors and food trucks on site
- 3 – 10:30 p.m. – Shuttle service to museum grounds from Zippo manufacturing and fuel plant lots (Congress St., Bradford)
- 3 – 6 p.m. – Darkwater Duo (Zippo/Case Stage – Museum Parking Lot)
- 3 – 8 p.m. – Children’s activities (facepainting, balloon artist, petting zoo, bounce houses, spin the wheel giveaways)
- 6 – 7 p.m. – America250 Ceremony and Flag Raising
- 7 – 8 p.m. – Twin Tiers Community Band (Main Stage – Museum Field)
- 8 – 9:30 p.m. – Tim Zimmerman and the King’s Brass (Main Stage – Museum Field)
- 9:40/Dusk – Grand Finale and Fireworks Display
For updates on this and all other events, follow the Zippo/Case Museum & Flagship Store on Facebook.