Staff report

The first of two WaterFire events for 2025 takes place Saturday in downtown Sharon, Pa.

“Ignite the Night” is the theme and is designed to celebrate the spark that brings the community together through art, fire and shared experience.

This is the 12th year for WaterFire, which started in 2013 (no events were held in 2020 due to COVID-19).

The centerpiece of the event is the more than 50 braziers that are anchored in the Shenango River, filled with cedar and pine and then set ablaze at nightfall with a soundtrack provided by a mix of prerecorded music and live music performed from boats on the river.

Before the lighting of the braziers at 9 p.m., there will be an artisan marketplace, a car show and a children’s fun zone from 3 to 7 p.m. and a food court from 2 to 11 p.m.

Main stage entertainment will include the acoustic trio Leather and Lace at 2:30 p.m. followed by Franchise Band at 5:30 p.m. and Dancing Queen at 9:30 p.m. Young performers will be featured on the Rising Flames Stage from 3 to 7 p.m. and street entertainment will be provided by button box band Patty C and the Guys from 4 to 7 p.m.

Admission is free.