Lititz in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

July 4^th Candle Illuminations

July 4<sup>th</sup> Candle Illuminations Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., November 11, 2018

1. July 4^th Candle Illuminations Marker

Inscription.

The first candle illumination in the Lititz Springs Park was held July 4, 1843 when 400 candles were lit to celebrate America's Independence. This long-held tradition was begun to honor a Christmas Eve Moravian custom of lighting a candle to represent Christ, the Light of the World. Today, over 7,000 candles light up the Lititz Springs Park on Independence Day.

During the early celebrations lattice work was built across the length of the stream to accommodate the candles. In 1889 revolving pyramids propelled by water power were introduced. In 1894 a small candle laden Ferris wheel was added. Through the years there were more decorative candle holders, including swans, and a crown representing the queen of candles tradition.

This marker is provided by and dedicated to the memory of
Robert "Sketch" Mearig
a collector of Lititz history, who loved Lititz Springs Park

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment • Man-Made Features • Parks & Recreational Areas • Patriots & Patriotism. A significant historical date for this entry is July 4, 1843.

Location. 40° 9.423′ N, 76° 18.722′ W.

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Marker is in Lititz, Pennsylvania, in Lancaster County. It can be reached from Maple Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Lititz Springs Park 24 North Broad Street, Lititz PA 17543, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in South-Central Pennsylvania, specifically in Pennsylvania Dutch Country,

and in the Susquehanna Valley.

It is also in the American Northeast

and in the Mid-Atlantic.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy

and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Lititz Boy Scout Cabin (here, next to this marker); An Icon of Lititz Springs Park (within shouting distance of this marker); "Steps of Progress" (within shouting distance of this marker); Springs Head-End (within shouting distance of this marker); Last Memorial Day Encampment (within shouting distance of this marker); Arched Bridge (within shouting distance

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., November 11, 2018

2. July 4^th Candle Illuminations Marker

of this marker); Paul E. Beck Memorial Band Shell (within shouting distance of this marker); Music Pavilion (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lititz.

Also see . . .
1. Lititz Springs Park History. (Submitted on November 13, 2018, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.)
2. Lititz Springs Park 4th of July Celebration. (Submitted on November 13, 2018, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.)

Additional keywords. July 4th Candle Illuminations

Credits. This page was last revised on January 4, 2026. It was originally submitted on November 13, 2018, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This page has been viewed 378 times since then and 51 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 13, 2018, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.