Latrobe to celebrate 4th of July with decorating contest

Latrobe City residents are being encouraged to “Get Your 4th On” for a patriotic home-decorating contest.

The Latrobe Fourth of July Celebration committee is going forward with the previously planned contest, set for July 2, although other aspects of the annual celebration — including a parade and fireworks display — have been canceled because of issues related to the covid-19 pandemic.

To participate, city residents should deck out their home exteriors in red, white and blue decorations of their choice, such as lights or yard ornaments. Free registration is due by 4 p.m. July 1.

“We’re just trying to celebrate the Independence Day of the United States,” said Beth Straka, committee co-chair. “This will bring some of the celebration to the neighborhoods and give families something they can do together.”

Registration forms can be printed from the Latrobe Fourth of July Celebration Facebook page or can be picked up during business hours in the city municipal building lobby or at the Lesco Federal Credit Union, the Lincoln Road Shop ‘n Save supermarket, Chicoras, Rose Style Shoppe, Paper Heart Affairs and the Latrobe Art Center.

Completed forms may be returned by mail or placed in the payment box at the municipal building main entrance.

After dusk on July 2, volunteers will fan out to view decorated homes and nominate locations for review by the committee and for final judging, Straka said. Judges will view decorations from vehicles and won’t enter participants’ properties.

The winner will be notified by phone on July 3 and will receive a yard trophy and a “Spectacular Sparkle” gift package of items valued at $350, to help celebrate the Fourth of July.

The contest is a way residents can get into the spirit of the holiday while maintaining social distancing as a pandemic precaution, Straka said.

The committee plans to create a video of participating homes that will be posted on its Facebook page.

Citing pandemic-related guidelines for limiting the size of gatherings, organizers announced in April their decision to cancel the majority of this year’s Fourth activities, which would have marked the 51st anniversary of the celebration.

Fundraisers that were rescheduled because of the pandemic now will be used to prepare for a Fourth celebration in 2021.

A drag queen bingo, set for July 31 at Huber Hall, is nearly sold out. A gun bash, sponsored by Blackout Tinting, is planned in September. More information is available by visiting blackoutbash.org or the Fourth celebration Facebook page.