The annual Scrantastic Spectacular celebration featuring a popular professional fireworks display is returning to downtown Scranton on July 3, bringing a pomp of patriotism to Courthouse Square on the eve of Independence Day.
Also featuring food vendors, bounce houses and kids activities and live music, the celebration kicks off on the square at 4 p.m. and runs until about 10. Zambelli Fireworks — a Western Pennsylvania vendor that produces more than 1,600 fireworks and pyrotechnic displays per year — will put on the Scrantastic display beginning about 9:30, launching fireworks from the roof of the Linden Garage.
Lackawanna County Commissioners Bill Gaughan and Chris Chermak approved last month a cultural partnership funding request with the nonprofit Scranton Tomorrow, which will contract with Zambelli for the display. The county is providing $15,000 in funding to support the fireworks, insurance and related expenses, but the county’s insurance precludes it from contracting with the fireworks vendor directly, county arts and culture Director Maureen McGuigan confirmed.
People gather to watch fireworks on Courthouse Square downtown during the Lackawanna County Scrantastic Spectacular on Monday, July 3, 2023. (FILE PHOTO)
Commissioners are also expected to vote Wednesday on other items related to the Scrantastic Spectacular, including a copromotion agreement between the county, Scranton Tomorrow and Audacy Pennsylvania LLC, an agreement allowing Zambelli to use the Linden Garage roof for the fireworks and a $27,000 artist contract for the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic to perform at the event.
The philharmonic will provide a full orchestra of between 35 and 50 musicians who’ll perform a patriotic repertoire beginning about 7:30 p.m. on the North Washington Avenue side of the square, per the contract. The county will use money generated from sponsorships and, if necessary, arts and culture community event funding to cover the cost of the philharmonic performance.
“There’s nothing like seeing a full symphony orchestra in person, and especially with all the patriotic music you just feel really good and proud of your country,” McGuigan said. “Live music is such a treat for people.”
The Scrantastic Spectacular is a free event open to the public. For information on the celebration, including an event map and lists of vendors and sponsors, visit scrantasticspectacular.com.