WAYNESBORO, Pa. — Organizers of Waynesboro’s annual Summer Jubilee are calling on residents and businesses to help fund the event’s Independence Day fireworks display.
“We’re trying to generate interest in sponsorship and donations early for the Waynesboro Summer Jubilee fireworks display,” said Holly Miller, president of the board of directors for the annual celebration.
Miller said many people mistakenly believe the borough funds the fireworks.
“A lot of people don’t know that Jubilee pays for the fireworks – they assume the Borough of Waynesboro does and that’s not the case. So without assistance, funding can be incredibly challenging. We want to make sure we are able to put on a great show and put it on consistently, year after year,” she added.
To boost fundraising, organizers have introduced several new efforts, including a dunk tank featuring local personalities, coaches and student-athletes. Volunteers are still needed to participate.
Gift baskets also will be raffled during the event, with displays located in the children’s craft tent. Volunteers will circulate through the crowd to increase ticket sales.
Marking its 30th year, the Jubilee will also debut a sensory tent sponsored by Middletown Valley Bank.
“It will be very neuro divergent – a friendly area for people to decompress from the over stimulation of the crowd. It will be staffed and monitored to make sure it’s being used for the right reasons,” Miller said.
Festivities at 500 E. Main St. begin with the children’s one-mile fun run at 7:30 a.m., followed by the Firecracker 5K at 8 a.m., sponsored by Patriot Federal Credit Union. Organizers are seeking volunteers and Pennsylvania-certified flaggers to assist with the race.
Craft and food vendors will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The parade begins at 9:30 a.m. at C.V. Avenue, proceeding east along Main Street before turning onto Broad Street and continuing to Memorial Park. Rodney Cool, owner of Brio Coffeehouse, is organizing the parade this year after the Brothers of the Brush led it for decades.
From 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., children can take part in a youth vendor tent featuring handmade goods sold by those under 17, as well as a craft tent offering sand art, foam magnets and jewelry. Each child will receive one free craft, with additional kits available for $5. Temporary tattoos and glitter will also be offered.
Free inflatables, sponsored by Jesus Alive Ministries of Waynesboro, will be available throughout the day.
A flag-raising ceremony is scheduled for 11 a.m., followed by live entertainment, with bands still being finalized.
Miller encouraged community members to contribute to the fireworks fund through an online donation campaign.
