Bicyclists of all ages were led by Mars police along the parade route for the Mars Borough Fourth of July Parade in 2024. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle

MARS — Patriotic celebrations will take place across two days this year in Mars for their America250 and July 4 celebration.

“Things are shaping up pretty good for (July) third and the fourth.” Mayor Gregg Hartung said at a meeting on Monday, June 15.

The first day, Friday, July 3, will start with historical activities. The Mars Area History and Landmarks Society will lead a ride on the Mars Shortline train, followed by entry to the train station museum.

Mars historical figures will be honored at Marburger Field at 5 p.m. on Friday with sports events. Chester Marburger, a local baseball and football player, and former postmaster, will be the first honored for the many championships he and his team won. Carl Wood, a former Mars Area High School football player, will also be honored. Wood, after his football career, served in the military as a Tuskeegee Airman. At the Mars VFW, a tribute to Wood will be displayed throughout the day.

After games, activities and contests that evening, a presentation of cultural dance will be performed. At 8 p.m., the Council of Three Rivers American Indian Center will honor the Lenape and Seneca Native American tribes with a dance. Hartung said this is to honor and celebrate those who lived on the land 250 years ago.

Finally, at the end of the first night, a large screen at the football field will play the movie “The Sandlot.”

On Saturday, July 4, the day will start at 11 a.m. with a ceremony at the site of the U.S.S. Mars bell to dedicate a new flagpole in the town square.

From 10 a.m. to noon, the St. John’s Lutheran SeniorCare parking lot will be set up with a petting zoo for kids and their families. A downtown vendor market will take place from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. with food, artisans, games and more.

The annual Mars Fourth of July parade Parade will march through town at 5:30 p.m. followed by a neighborhood cookout at Marburger Field at 6:30 p.m.

At dusk on Independence Day, fireworks will light the sky over the town, while a patriotic soundtrack plays on 88.1 FM.