Rain can’t stop Fourth of July celebration

WILKES-BARRE — As Ella Mikhalkov looked out upon Saturday’s festivities at Kirby Park, a smile spread over her face and her eyes seemed to light up.

Mikhalkov, 3, was viewing the annual Independence Day celebration through raindrops, but the weather did not seem to diminish her excitement at arriving at a favorite event remembered from last year.

And although she would later view the fireworks from her family’s car, complete with earmuffs, she looked forward to the colors that would later light up the sky.

“I especially like the pink and purple ones,” she said smiling, bubbling with unconstrained enthusiasm as she held her mother’s hand.

Mother Jennifer Mikhalkov — holding 10-week-old Jacob — said the family looks forward to the event every year.

Both Ella and brother Matthew, 5, especially look forward to face painting and playing games as they make their way through the vendors appropriately clad in red, white and blue.

Liza Prokop, Wilkes-Barre special events coordinator, was not surprised that in spite of the weather residents made their way into the park for a bite to eat, to purchase a unique craft, to ride a ride or to simply enjoy a musical backdrop for a quiet walk.

“Its a rain-or-shine event,” said Prokop. “We were prepared in advance for any type of weather.”

Prokop said the event went far beyond an opportunity for gathering in the park to celebrate a summer holiday.

“It’s an event that has continued for 35 years,” she said. “It has become a tradition, drawing thousands of people from all over the area.”

Ruth Casey, of Just Plain Crazy Face Art, lauded areas residents for not allowing the rain to dampen their enthusiasm for the celebration.

“Our glitter tattoos have been a favorite today,” she said.

Joe and Sarah Looker, visiting from Virginia with their son Micah, 7, came hungry and they were not disappointed.

The family shared apple chips drenched in caramel, a snack which they deemed both delicious and unique.

The family’s dog “Charlie,” a cocker spaniel, seemed unaffected by the rain as he enjoyed his walk through the park, although dogs were prohibited during fireworks.

Rachael Gerstein, of Hillside Farms, said the crowd was smaller than last year, but a steady stream of customers made their way through the festival throughout the day, with many headed for the ice cream truck.

Gerstein said the day’s favorite flavor was strawberry cheesecake.

Buddy Prusinski, manning Horr’s Hotdogs, said many attendees enjoyed chocolate-covered bacon.

Many youngsters made their way through the festival happily clinging to balloons or stuffed animals, resulting from success at games such as “balloon pops” or “shark tank.”

And although attendees certainly enjoyed the rides, the food, the games and the vendors, to many the day truly culminated when fireworks lit up the night sky.

First Posted: 9:17 pm – July 4th, 2015 | Times Leader

By Geri Gibbons – ggibbons@timesleader.com
Reach Geri Gibbons at 570-991-6117 or on Twitter @TLGGibbons