The annual Wilkes-Barre City Old-Fashioned Fourth of July celebration kicked off this afternoon!

Residents of the Wyoming Valley had the chance to come out and view live music, try different foods, and play traditional carnival games.

“We have lots of rides here and don’t forget, there’s a lot of good food and lots of good music” said Sisilia Steransky, a Wilkes-Barre resident.

Mother nature was on our side and provided a clear and sunny day, so that the community could enjoy the festivities.

There were over twenty different food and craft vendors that got the chance to showcase their products, including a caricature artist.

Many of the vendors have been coming to the celebration over the years and enjoy meeting old friends and making some new ones.

“You get to see family vendors, that you’re used to, you see those guys, and you see other people, you meet new people, it’s great across the board” says Joe Stencavage, Owner of Joe’s Homemade Pierogies and Mini Doughnuts.

The event brought together residents of all ages from the local community to celebrate, even our furry friend, Oakley, the NEPA Newfoundland. She is a water rescue dog and just returned from training in Italy.

“The past few years have set a lot of things back, and this is a way for the community to get together and do something positive rather than the negative” says Lauren Klinefelter, local Scentsy vendor.

Throughout the day, local bands played at the Martz Trailways Pavilion, including Mother Nature’s Son.

All of course came out to see the main attraction, Fireworks, which kicked off after the sun set!