Congressman Glenn Thompson, second from left, was among the local elected leaders that took part in last week’s Fourth of July Parade. He’s flanked by state Sen. Scott Hutchinson and Rep. Kathy Rapp as well as Ash Khare, state GOP committeeman.

Thousands descended to the streets of the City of Warren and Betts Park for Fourth of July Celebrations last week.

And it was a smashing success from the city’s perspective.

“The 76th annual 4th of July festivities was another fantastic celebration,” Mayor David Wortman said. “The parade, fireworks, live music, vendors and our business community continue to make our celebration second to none.”

The celebration kicked off Thursday with the Fourth of July parade on Thursday and culminated with a phenomenal fireworks finale Saturday night.

A host of live music and other events filled the schedule for the weekend.

But there’s much more to the weekend in Wortman’s view.

“What truly makes this celebration special is how it brings our community together to honor our nation’s independence and pay respects to our beautiful country, the United States of America,” he said.

That community often transcends time and space and the Fourth of July is a clear example of that.

“It was great to see so many people who return to Warren to celebrate Independence Day,” Wortman said. “In addition to all the 4th of July events, the Class of 1964 and the Class of 1984 held milestone WAHS reunions. We were also lucky enough to have the annual Allegheny River Monsters concert and jam session continue to provide incredible entertainment.

“Friends and family coming back home during the 4th has always been a significant event unto itself. There are many great places to live in our Country but there is something special here in Warren, we are truly America’s town.”

He added that there are “so many groups and individuals that have worked tirelessly to make this all happen” but specifically credited the Warren County Fourth of July organization “for taking the lead to organize such an amazing group of events.”

He also thanked sponsors for “generous donations of time, talents and funding” that make the event possible as well as city staff – police, fire and the Department of Public Works “who continue to do great work keeping our city looking amazing>

“We have a lot to be proud of with our heritage,” Wortman said. “General Joseph Warren, our City and County namesake, was a Founding Father of our Nation and a man who gave his life at the Battle of Bunker Hill for our Independence. May we continue to honor our Nation, City and County with a celebration fitting of the great USA.”