In the first few years of his ministry at Bradford Alliance Church, Pastor Rob Jeffrey had noticed cars parked along Minard Run Road that stopped to watch the annual fireworks show at that nearby Pennhills Club on Minard Run Road.
Last year, Jeffrey and others at the church invited those who wanted to watch the fireworks to pull into their parking lot instead of parking along the road.
This year, the church is taking their outreach a step further by hosting a Freedom Fest beginning at 7 p.m. July 3 in the parking lot and grounds of the facility. The free event is open to the community.
“We had a couple of people parking in our lot in the past, so we figured if they’re coming in, let’s have fun with it,” Jeffrey explained. “We thought let’s give them something to do and get the kids out (of the cars) while they’re waiting for the fireworks to come.”
Church secretary Jill Ivanich said family-friendly activities at the event will include a bounce house, shooting basketballs, horseshoes and corn hole games. There will also be food such as hot dogs, chips, cotton candy and bottled water. Church members may also try to have a campfire to toast marshmallows.
“There might be a waterslide, because Tom Leposa is bringing one,” Ivanich added.
“We’re praying the weather will cooperate with us.”
Ivanich noted the church has prepared the grounds to be more accommodating for watching the fireworks by cutting down a few trees that were obstructing the view.
“We hope we’ll have a better view this year, too,” she said. In addition, the church put in a horseshoe pit for that activity and repaired the basketball hoop in preparation for the event.
She said visitors are advised to bring chairs or blankets to sit on, but chairs will be available for those who don’t have them.
Jeffrey said he, too, hopes the weather will be clear for the event and that people will stop by the facility before the fireworks.
“This is just a way for us to tell our community ‘Hey, we support you, we’re part of the community and we want to bless you,’” he concluded.
