Summit Hill will be marking the 250th anniversary of the United States with a “birthday celebration” on July 4 that includes somber events amid the festivities.

The celebration is being planned by the Summit Hill Recreation Commission.

Kathy Gieniec, chair of the Recreation Commission, said that plans include a patriotic plane flyover, live music, birthday cake for everyone, a basket raffle, bake sale, picnic food and beverages for purchase, and a cash bar at the Diligence Fire Company.

The first serious matter will occur in Ludlow Park at noon, when the late borough councilman David Wargo will be remembered.

Gieniec said that Wargo was well versed in local history and worked hard to preserve it. He served on the Summit Hill Historical Society as well as with many other organizations in the borough.

In 2005, when two historic Civil War cannons in the borough were erroneously sold to a collector in western Pennsylvania, Wargo led a court fight to have them returned and personally went to the Pittsburgh area to retrieve them.

Gieniec said there will be several speakers at the memorial service.

“We’ll be remembering him for his commitment to the community, for his civil service to Summit Hill,” Gieniec said.

At 4 p.m., Summit Hill American Legion members will be honored with a plaque presentation.

The music will begin at 1 p.m. in the gazebo of Ludlow Park and feature the band Stoneheart.

The plane flyover is set for 2:30 p.m., weather permitting.

At 3 p.m., the Coal Town Blue Band will perform inside the Hillside Community Center.

And at 3:15 p.m., there will be special guest appearances in the Community Center.

Those attending will sing “Happy Birthday” at 4:30 p.m., with the basket raffle occurring at 5:30 p.m.

Gieniec said there also will be balloons, beads, cornhole, face painting, kids games and props for photo opportunities.