CLARION, Pa. (EYT) — The “I Love Clarion” celebration will kick off at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 3, at the Clarion University Memorial Stadium.

The free event is open to the public.

Executive Director of the Clarion Area Chamber of Business & Industry Tracy Becker told exploreClarion.com that chamber members are both excited and honored to be hosting this year’s “I Love Clarion” celebration.

According to Becker, while the chamber does most of the organizing for the event, the event would not be possible without the support they receive from the community.

“We have been receiving some great donations from people and businesses,” Becker said.

This has helped the chamber host the event for free to the community.

“There is no cost for the kids to participate in the games, and then we give them free prizes,” Becker added.

In an effort to support members of our current military, a collection table accepting donations will be available at the event.

The Clarion Area Chamber is asking the community to support our troops by donating supplies and writing “Thank You” cards to those who serve.

Becker, who has been involved with the Clarion Chamber for over thirty years, said that she is very proud of the work the “I Love Clarion” celebration does to collect donations for veterans.

“If you give the VFW an address where things can be shipped to, then your loved one can get a package from Clarion — a package from home,” Becker explained.

Becker said that she has had some friends whose children were in the military, and they were lonely and wanted to hear from people back home. Many were honored when they received letters of support from Clarion community members.

“It’s basically messages from home,” Becker added.

“I don’t take it for granted the freedoms that we have here in the United States. I’ve had family members that have served to protect us. They should be thanked.

“If we can brighten someone’s day, by all means. That’s the way I think about the ‘I Love Clarion’ celebration.”

Although there will be a collection table accepting donations at the event, Becker welcomes donations leading up to the event, as well.

Please drop off those items to the Clarion Chamber office at 650 Main Street, Clarion, Pa.

Items acceptable for donation include:

• Men & Women’s Travel Size Personal Hygiene Items (Hair Bands, Lip Balm, Shower Gels, Shampoo/Conditioner, Lotions, Mouthwash, Razors, Toothbrushes, Toothpaste, and Dental Floss/ Picks)
• Individual Packets of Snacks — Non-Perishable Only—(Nuts, Crackers, Cookies, Sun Flower Seeds. Dried Fruit and Fruit Snacks, Water Flavoring Packets, Beef Jerky)
• Batteries (all sizes)
• Music CD’s
• Games such as Playing Cards, Small Board Games, Puzzles
• Gum and Hard Candy
• Air Fresheners (Setting or Hanging)
• Phone Cards, Envelopes, Postage Stamps, Small Writing Tablets, Ink Pens (including colored ones), Rubber Band
• Books & Magazines for both Men & Women

Monetary donations to assist with shipping costs to the troops are also greatly appreciated.

The gates open at 5:00 p.m. where local country singer Coston Cross will kick things off from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Coston, a Clarion County local, prides himself on paving his own path in country music and staying true to his country roots.

He has garnered a large following over the years with his unique blend of country music.

“It’s kind of like a cross between Johnny Cash and Luke Bryan,” Becker said.

Also beginning at 5:00 p.m., there will be local businesses and vendors selling food and refreshments. Some of the food items include hamburgers, hot dogs, kettle corn, and frozen custard.

Then, at 7:00 p.m., The Wrangler Band will be performing a variety of music from country hits to classic rock.

C-93 will be on hand with a live remote for the event, and the highlight of the celebration will be a fantastic fireworks display.

The display will take place at dusk and will be presented by Pyrotecnico.

“I Love Clarion” Fireworks Display. Submitted by Pam Huffman.

The day will be a great time to celebrate our nation’s independence with your friends, family, and community.

If you are interested in volunteering at this year’s event, please contact the Clarion Area Chamber of Business and Industry at 814-226-9161, [email protected], visit us online at www.clarionpa.com or at www.Facebook.com/ClarionAreaChamber.

Sponsors of the event include Pennsylvania American Water, Clarion University, and the Clarion Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 3807.