MARS — The fireworks will return to the Mars Fourth of July Celebration after a three-year hiatus.

The traditional fireworks display, set off from the hilltop water plant property, had been eliminated because of funding issues. But Jen Fleming, who coordinates the fun-filled Independence Day event with Sandy Wahl, said the donations of many Mars businesses and individuals made the $10,000 fireworks display possible again.

Several family-oriented activities will fill the downtown leading up to the 10 p.m. fireworks.

A car cruise, new to the celebration this year, will kick off at 1 p.m. at St. John Specialty Care. Classic cars and hot rods will be shined up and ready for viewing in the care center’s parking lot.

At 3 p.m., a bounce house, games, crafts, sand and balloon art, airbrush tattoos and other children’s activities will be set up in town on or near Grand Avenue. Famished families can then enjoy a free pig roast, courtesy of the borough, to be set up about 3 p.m. near the spaceship.

The police department will have a bike rodeo on Grand Avenue, in which young cyclists can traverse a small obstacle course. Police also will have free bicycle safety inspections.

A series of parades will then pass down Pittsburgh Street onto Grand Avenue.

The decorated-bicycle parade, a long-standing custom at the Fourth of July Celebration, will begin at 5 p.m. A “pet-riotic” parade has been added this year in which residents will parade their star spangled, furry and slimy friends down the main drag.

After the final creature has cleared Grand Avenue, the annual Mars Fourth of July Parade will begin. The Fightin’ Planets Marching Band, several emergency response vehicles, floats and other acts will delight the crowd.

To keep children occupied between the end of the parade and the ignition of the first of the fireworks, Wahl and Fleming have planned activities such as balloon art, cornhole games and a cotton candy vendor. The car cruise will be moved to Grand Avenue after the parade.

“It’s just something to keep people active until the fireworks start,” Fleming said. “It should wrap up by 8:30.”

“It’s a great family and community event. Everyone should come out and celebrate with their friends and neighbors.”