But every year, the Fourth of July Celebration in Lititz Springs Park proves that doubtful is possible.

With more than 189 years of tradition behind it and the beautiful Grand Illumination of Candles as its centerpiece, the event is unlike any other.

Believed to be the longest-running Fourth of July celebration in the United States, "It's all about bringing the community together," said Chris Bryan, president of Lititz Lions Club.

The park was filled to capacity Tuesday night with community members.

Music from the stage filtered through the trees as thousands of people mingled in an upbeat and festive atmosphere.

Folks decked out in red, white and blue relaxed on lawn chairs in front of the stage, American flags hanging from trees blew in the breeze, and groups of teenagers milled around game booths and food stands.

"There is just a sense of community spirit," said Alice Riden, who has been attending the celebration since 1987. "Lititz is just a wonderful community to be a part of."

David and Debbie Arndt have brought their three children to the fireworks for about 10 years.

"It's just so big; the whole community is out," Debbie Arndt said. "It's a tradition for our family."

During the Grand Illumination of Candles, about 7,000 candles were lit around the park. Some formed the numbers "2006," while others were positioned on bridges over a creek that runs through the park and on small "islands" floating on the water.

The display originates from Moravian love feasts in which children lit candles on the lawn in the churchyard for the Fourth of July.

"It's just so unique, it's pretty amazing actually," Debbie Arndt said.

Eileen Cericola of Landisville, who is originally from Philadelphia, said she had never seen anything like the display until she saw it for the first time 18 years ago.

"Nobody else does this," she said. "It's very original."

Decked out in matching American flag shirts, Fran and Dan Richards have been attending the celebration for 18 years.

"It's just a family tradition," Fran Richards said. The couple plans to pass on the tradition to their daughter, 1-year-old Katelynne, who sat in a stroller wearing a red-and-white starred visor.

Although Tuesday's celebration was festive and cheerful, the Richardses weren't about to forget what Independence Day signifies.

"With everything going on overseas, we're here to show those people who are fighting for our freedom (our) thanks and appreciation," Fran Richards said.

The event was the last of three days of festivities in Lititz, which is celebrating its 250th anniversary this year.

The others included a community patriotic celebration, parades and a Queen of Candles Pageant. blog comments powered by Disqus