Friday, July 4 will be a day to remember in Hawley and the Lake Region as the area comes alive to celebrate First Friday and the Fourth of July.

The action begins at 12 noon when the annual Hawley Fourth of July parade steps off on Main Avenue, leading straight into Hawley’s First Friday events beginning at 2 pm followed by a huge finale at Lake Wallenpaupack as the fireworks begin at dusk.

“We are trying to achieve a real down the shore feeling on First Fridays,” according to Downtown Hawley Partnership Vice-President, Elaine Herzog. “There will be something for everyone, families, friends, couples, everyone.”

“A family can come to the area, spend the day, eat, shop, be entertained, and highlight their visit with fantastic fireworks at Lake Wallenpaupack,” said Jeanne Genzlinger, president of the Downtown Hawley Partnership.

Businesses throughout town will kick in as Hawley’s First Friday events take place between 2 pm and 7 pm. The theme for the July 4 First Friday is “On The Boardwalk” and, according to event organizers, there will be a little something for everyone. Carnival-like games such as Plinko, ball tosses, and a bounce house (located on Church St., near the Hawley Garage) will be set-up in the downtown area.

Other themed activities include facing painting, temporary tattoos, a hot sauce tasting, professional pastel portraits from 4 pm-7 pm while you wait at The Artisan Gallery, live music all day and much, much more. There will also be a classic/auto car show on Keystone Street from 5-8 pm. The Fallsport Inn and Steakhouse will feature “drunken clams” all day.

Plus, if you’ve always wanted to let your inner-Springsteen out, now is your chance. Area musicians and singers are invited to sing or perform from 2:30 to 6:30 pm at Penny Lane Candies and Candles on Church Street. Hawley’s Open Mic is free and everyone is welcome.

Other featured music includes jazz on the deck at The Settlers Inn between 4 and 7 pm and a DJ at the classic car show between 5 and 8 pm.

Following Hawley’s First Friday activities, the show moves out Route 6 to the Lake Wallenpaupack area where the Hawley-Lake Wallenpaupack Chamber of Commerce will feature the annual fireworks display over the lake.

This display is fired near the shores of Lake Wallenpaupack, next to the Wallenpaupack Area High School, and will begin at approximately 9:15 pm. (Dusk). Parking will be available in the High School parking lots, and the bleachers will be open to spectators at approximately 7 pm.

Viewing the fireworks will still be available by boat from the Lake, as well. Due to insurance requirements, there will be a 1,000 Ft. restricted area surrounding the firing location. You won't want to miss this breathtaking event, so come out and enjoy the fireworks extravaganza. A rain date for the fireworks is planned for Saturday, July 5.

The Committee thanks all businesses and individuals who have stepped forward to support this annual tradition. Lighthouse Harbor Marina has pledged their support again to ensure this family tradition continues. As a major sponsor, this is the 14th year Lighthouse Harbor Marina has participated. The Committee urges all area businesses and residents to donate to continue this vital event. The support is essential, and the event will be breathtaking.

This year’s major supporting sponsors include: Lighthouse Harbor Marina, The Dime Bank, Bakker Marine Inc., Davis R. Chant Realtors, Joybeck Builders, Inc., East Shore Lodging/Wallenpaupack Scenic Boat Tours, Ehrhardt's Waterfront Resort, Gresham’s Chop House, Lake Region IGA Supermarket, Hawley Market, Shooky’s Distributor, Penn Security Bank & Trust Co, Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau, Rex Brand Tree Experts, Sterling Marina, VanGorders’ Furniture Inc, Wallenpaupack Marine Trades, Wallenpaupack Lake Estates POA, North of the Border Fireworks, Bracalente Mfg. Co. Inc., Hawley-Lake Wallenpaupack Chamber of Commerce, Wallenpaupack Area High School, PPL, and numerous other businesses, property owners, and residents.

Donations are still needed to offset costs and continue this important family occasion at Lake Wallenpaupack. Please make checks payable to the H-LW Chamber, and send to the Hawley-Lake Wallenpaupack Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 150, Hawley, PA 18428, or drop off contribution at Lighthouse Harbor Marina.

Also, a ticket will be drawn, and a lucky individual will win the spectacular gas grill, generously donated to the Chamber of Commerce by Eastern Propane Corp, Hawley. Tickets are still available. For more information on these events or other activities sponsored by the Hawley-Lake Wallenpaupack Chamber of Commerce, call 570-226-3191, or visit www.hawleywallenpaupackcc.com.

Hawley’s First Friday is held on the first Friday of every month. Live music is featured and most stores stay open late. The theme for the August 1 First Friday is “Party Gras” and will feature magicians, music, and street performers. If you are street performer or an amateur music act and would like to perform at the August First Friday please call either John at 647-9399 or Amy at 814-8536.

For more information or to get involved with the Downtown Hawley Partnership please go to www.visithawleypa.com or call 570-226-4064.