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What is WaterFire?
WaterFire Sharon, PA is a unique arts and culture event featuring over 50 floating bonfires on the Shenango River, live music, performers, food vendors, and interactive experiences. Inspired by the original WaterFire in Providence, Rhode Island, our event brings thousands of people to downtown Sharon each season to celebrate community, creativity, and connection.
Ignite the Night
Ignite the Night is the official theme for WaterFire Sharon, PA this July. It celebrates the spark that brings community together through art, fire, and shared experience. As flames light the river and glowing installations brighten the streets, downtown becomes a radiant celebration of connection. This is your invitation to come alive after dark and be part of something unforgettable. Join us as we Ignite the Night and shine a light on everything that makes this place special.
Free to Attend – Free Parking – Free Entertainment!
Thanks to the generous support of our sponsors and donors, WaterFire remains free for all to enjoy. Their contributions help bring this world-class, family-friendly event to life right here in our community. Look for their names downtown and on social media. If you spot them at the event, be sure to say thank you!
River Festivities
The evening opens at 8:30 PM with a meaningful blessing of the Shenango River by Leon Briggs, honoring the area’s rich cultural roots and natural beauty. As the sun begins to set, the WaterFire Sharon PA orb will be lit, followed by 50+ floating bonfires flickering along the river between Connelly Boulevard and East Silver Street. Breathe in the scent of burning pine, enjoy live music echoing over the water, and take in the simple beauty of a summer night spent together. Bring a chair, get comfortable, and stay with us until the fires fade at 11 PM.
Leon Briggs
Leon Sam Briggs is an enrolled member of the Tonawanda Seneca, Hawk Clan. He is a cultural educator, artist, and speaker who shares traditional teachings and supports Native community healing efforts. His work spans from traditional arts to cultural consulting and community-building across the country. Leon will open the evening with a blessing of the river.
WaterFire Orb Lighters, July 26 2025
“The Quiet Donors Group”
WaterFire may be “free to attend”, but there are many costs associated with putting the event together. These costs add up to a substantial amount. For the July 26th lighting, WaterFire has chosen to have representatives of what we refer to as “The Quiet Donors Group” light the ceremonial orb.
“The Quiet Donors Group” is not a formal group. Many of them may not even know each other. The name was chosen by WaterFire to describe a variety of individuals and businesses that consistently support WaterFire with a financial gift. Many have done so since WaterFire’s first year being conducted in Sharon and continue to do so including this year’s events. These meaningful gifts have helped WaterFire return year after year to the Shenango River. The donors do so without any expectation of recognition and often prefer to not be recognized. Rather, they contribute because they believe in the impact the event has on downtown Sharon as well as the region overall. They believe in the economic impact that WaterFire brings to Sharon, the recognition it gives to the area, the boost to tourism, and the sense of pride it instils in the community. They support the arts and artists and have contributed to creating a welcoming space for them while also creating a one-of-a-kind family-friendly event for all of the guests. For all of those reasons and more, we want to be sure to recognize them! The lighting of the WaterFire Orb is a very ceremonial event, and one used to recognize community members that have really made a difference. This group has truly made a big difference.
The Board and Staff of WaterFire want to thank each and every donor for their contributions, the larger corporate sponsors and donors, and those who faithfully give as part of “The Quiet Donors Group”. There is no way a WaterFire event could take place without every donor’s financial support. Thank you for your faithful giving – you have made a significant difference and we are all grateful!
Please visit the Orb for a listing of names who will participate in the lighting.
Live Music & Entertainment
Main Stage Line Up
Leather and Lace – 2:30p- 4:30
This lively acoustic trio delivers high-energy sets, featuring electrifying violin solos, sound-alike tribute vocals, and a 600+ song library spanning every genre and decade.
Franchise Band – 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Recently voted 2023’s Best R&B Band by Pittsburgh City Paper readers, this powerhouse group brings decades of combined experience and a dancefloor-filling setlist you won’t want to miss.
Dancing Queen – 9:30 PM to 11:00 PM
This fan-favorite disco and dance band brings the best of the ’70s and ’80s to life with nonstop music, soaring harmonies, and full-on party energy.
Street Entertainment
Patty C & the Guys – 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
have been playing lively polkas, waltzes, and Latin tunes since 2014. Featuring talented musicians led by Patty Candela, they are three-time winners of the Button Box Group of the Year award from the National Cleveland-Style Polka Hall of Fame.
Rising Flames Stage
The Rising Flames Stage celebrates young local talent, giving kids and teens a chance to shine. From music and dance to martial arts and more, it’s all about showcasing the next generation of performers. Want to join in? Stop by the stage the day of the event and ask DJ Feola what time slots are still open. Sign up and take the spotlight!
Jimmy Pyro
Jimmy Pyro is a high-energy, self-taught fire artist who has spent the past decade wowing crowds with daring stunts and fiery spectacle. With over 270,000 people entertained to date, his performances are known for their intensity, creativity, and crowd appeal.
Jimmy is the founder of Energemata Poi, a professional performance group that has lit up festivals, private events, and stages across the country. From fire dancing to flame breathing, Jimmy’s act is always unforgettable.
Catch him throughout the evening at various spots on the river, bridges, and along the waterfront.
Amfibeon Flow Arts
Amfibeon Flow Arts Entertainment brings a team of professional performers specializing in flow arts to WaterFire Sharon, PA. With a dazzling stilt walker, skilled jugglers, and thrilling fire artists, they create a vibrant atmosphere of movement and creativity throughout the evening.
Unleash Your Imagination at the PNC Bank Children’s Fun Zone
Calling all kids! From 3 to 7 PM, the PNC Bank Children’s Fun Zone on Shenango Avenue is the place to be during WaterFire Sharon, PA. Enjoy a fun-filled afternoon with hands-on crafts from local businesses, playful hair spray stations, and colorful face painting.
Strike a pose at the fireworks photo op, build with giant blocks, and create masterpieces with sidewalk chalk. Don’t miss the interactive chalk path designed just for dancing and play. The area will be bubbling with fun—literally—with bubbles in the air and visits from not one but two incredible robotics teams: Sharon Robotics and Mars Robotics.
Bring your grown-ups and get ready to laugh, play, and explore—this is one zone you won’t want to miss!
Cruise In for the WaterFire Car Show
Sponsored by Diehl Auto, the WaterFire Car Show features classic cars, custom builds, and crowd favorites in downtown Sharon from 3-7 PM.
Vote for your fan favorite by picking up a chip at the Diehl Auto table and placing it in the voting box next to your favorite car. Voting ends at 6 PM, and the winner will be announced at 6:30 PM.
All makes and models are welcome. Interested in showing your car at the September event? Contact us at info@waterfiresharonpa.org.
Thanks to Diehl Auto for sponsoring this exciting addition to WaterFire!
Artisan Marketplace
WaterFire Sharon prides itself on showcasing professional art market vendors and high-quality works of art in our marketplace. Our talented artisans are natural creatives who make amazing handmade fine art. Whether it’s a one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry, pottery, woodworking, glass or fiber art, painting, photography, or mixed media piece – we have it all, in all price ranges – we know you will find the perfect item while walking the streets of beautiful downtown Sharon.
This Saturday, you’ll find artisan tents filled with beautiful and unique items. Talk to the artists to learn more about their processes, watch their live demos, and support our artists by selecting a handmade original piece to add to your home or give as a gift.
Look for Shannon Wiley, a Pittsburgh-based artist creating handmade wire-woven, chainmaille, and scalemaille jewelry, home décor, and wearable art. Her work blends intricate craftsmanship with bold, sculptural design.
And you will love Michelle Hillier of AbstractbyM2 LLC, a Boardman, Ohio artist, crafting one-of-a-kind pieces using a unique blend of oil, acrylic, and plaster on canvas and custom apparel. Her work fuses texture, color, and wearable art into striking, original designs.
Want to sell your handmade art items at WaterFire Sharon, PA? Applications are open for Sept. on Zapp online: https://www.zapplication.org/event-info.php?ID=13208. Contact us at artistinfo@waterfiresharonpa.org. We are looking forward to a great selling event in the artisan marketplace! Booth Size: 10′ x 10′ Booth Fee: $70. Apply for Sept 2025!
Discover Downtown’s Public Art
Enjoy the newest addition to public art in downtown Sharon by Random Acts of Artists: “Nature’s Gallery,” located along W. Connelly Blvd. Be sure to check out the 40 original paintings depicting birds, butterflies, and flowers in natural settings by 20 RAA artists. Look for Artist Royce Umberger’s mark on the Evolve building in “Musician’s Alley.” Also, walk down Central Way, located off Vine Ave., this artsy walkway is fondly called “Sam’s Alley,” in tribute to Artist Sam Perry and his belief in and dedication to this project. Another must-see is the amazing Joel Bergner Hope CAT mural located on West State St. and the Labyrinth on the pavement in front of the mural. See other art installations created in Sharon that include the “Choose to Fly” silhouette mural, across from the Sharon City Building on W. Connelly Blvd, the “Flower Garden Gallery” located on W. Connelly Blvd., the “Literary Garden” at the Community Library of the Shenango Valley, the “Doors to the Past” and “Column Monument” located on West State Street beside George Junior Republic sculpture “It’s a Wonderful World”, and the “Willow Way”, the “Gallery Garden” and five Ash tree carvings, located in the Riverview Gardens Park, the “Bicycle Trail” mural along Sharpsville Ave.… and more to discover. Find them all and tag #waterfiresharon2025 along the way!
Public Art Unveiling: “Nature’s Gallery” brings Downtown to life!
Join Random Acts of Artists at 3 PM on July 26th for the unveiling of “Nature’s Gallery” along W. Connelly Blvd. This kinetic installation of birds, butterflies, and flowers was created by 20 local artists and adds a new dynamic presence to the city’s growing collection of public art.
Explore Sharon’s Past: Historical Photo Display
Step back in time with the Sharon Historical Society’s special photo display near McDonald’s on State Street. This exhibit showcases historic photos of the Shenango Valley, each accompanied by fascinating facts on the back. As you stroll along this temporary wall, immerse yourself in the stories and moments that have shaped our community. Don’t miss this chance to connect with Sharon’s rich local history.
Need a food break? Stop by our Food Court! 2-11pm
We have options for both the sweet and savory foodie! BBQ chicken, pulled pork, steak hoagies, hot sausage, corndogs, quesadillas, tacos, pizza and so much more to enjoy. Sweets more your thing? Enjoy a selection of cinnamon rolls, elephant ears, fried Oreos, ice cream, shaved ice and many more goodies. There are tables and chairs waiting for you so you can sit down to enjoy your food while you listen to the bands. Shabby’s will have kettle corn, ice cream, apple dumplings and roasted nuts along with Marty’s Nacho Mama’s truck serving up tacos, nacho’s, fries and more across from The Winner. Come support the food vendors who are supporting Water Fire by cooking for our guests. Don’t want to cook Sunday? Food vendors will gladly pack food for you to take home. See you in the Food Court located between Railroad and Chestnut St.
Safety & Accessibility
Your comfort and safety are a top priority at WaterFire Sharon, PA.
First Aid: Ambulance crews will be stationed at both ends of the event area to provide medical support if needed.
Restrooms: Portable restrooms are available in three convenient central locations throughout downtown.
Accessibility: The event area is walkable and stroller-friendly, with curb ramps and accessible pathways throughout. Accessible parking spaces are available off Chestnut Street.
Lost and Found: Visit the WaterFire Information Tent near the main entrance if you’ve lost or found an item.
Need help? Our volunteers at the WaterFire Information Tent near the Water Avenue entrance can point you in the right direction.
We want to hear from you!
Share your WaterFire memories on social media and check in while you’re downtown. Your posts help support our local merchants and show off all the fun happening along the river. Use our hashtag #waterfiresharon2025 so we can follow along and maybe even feature your photos on our official pages!
Be Part of the Spark: Volunteer with WaterFire Sharon, PA
WaterFire Sharon, PA is powered by volunteers, and we’d love to have you join us. From setting up and greeting guests to staffing booths or helping tend the fires, there’s a role for everyone.
Volunteering is a great way to meet new people, give back, and help make something special happen in our community.
We Need Boat Captains!
We’re looking for boating enthusiasts to join our River Ops Team for WaterFire. Captains help deliver firewood to floating braziers—an essential part of keeping the fire alive throughout the night. This is a volunteer role for those who love the water, community, and teamwork.
Whether you’re ready to help now or want to be on deck for future events, we’d love to hear from you!
Want to get involved for July 26 or September 20? Visit the WaterFire tent during the event, head to waterfiresharonpa.org, or email info@waterfiresharonpa.org.
Powering the Flame: Thank You to Our Supporters
WaterFire Sharon, PA has become a powerful catalyst for economic growth and community connection in our region. Each event draws thousands of visitors who support local businesses—restaurants, shops, hotels, and more—boosting tourism and helping our downtown thrive.
Our reach extends far beyond Mercer County, attracting guests from Central and Eastern Pennsylvania, Ohio, New York, and even Canada. Your support helps shine a spotlight on Sharon as a vibrant, welcoming destination.
Stop by the WaterFire Information Tent during the event to learn more or make a donation. Together, we’re keeping the fire burning—and the community growing.
Thank You, Volunteers
To every volunteer who has helped bring WaterFire Sharon, PA to life—thank you. From setting the stage to lighting the fires, from welcoming guests to keeping things running smoothly, you are the reason this event shines. Your time and dedication leave a lasting impact on our community, and we couldn’t do it without you.
Thank You to Our Sponsors and Donors
WaterFire Sharon, PA wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of our sponsors and donors. Your contributions help light the fires, fill the streets with art and music, and bring our community together in memorable ways.
Thank you for believing in the power of this event and making it free and welcoming for all to enjoy.
Take a Little Piece of WaterFire Home
Stop by the WaterFire Information Tent at the corner of Shenango Avenue and State Street to check out official WaterFire merchandise. This year’s limited edition t-shirt features the winning design from our local artist competition and is only available during the July event.
You will also find shirts, sweatshirts, and hats and more to help you remember the night. Every purchase supports WaterFire and helps keep the flames burning bright.
2025 WaterFire Artist TShirt
WaterFire Sharon is proud to celebrate Torrie Hawkins, the winner of this year’s Artist T-Shirt Design Competition. Born and raised in Sharon and a 2011 graduate of Sharon High School, Torrie brought passion and hometown pride to his winning design.
Torrie also owns YGB14 Custom Printing, part of his brand YNG GIFTED & Blessed, and will be screen-printing the shirts himself. With the support of his wife Danielle and their family, he’s turning a longtime dream into reality by sharing his creativity with the community he loves.
In Memory of Allan R. Redfern (1947–2024)
If you volunteered at WaterFire Sharon, you may remember “Allan from Providence.” Soft-spoken, thoughtful, and always ready to help, Allan quietly became part of our WaterFire family. He was there from the beginning offering guidance, rolling up his sleeves, and returning year after year to support the event he believed in.
Allan passed away on May 2nd at age 76, after a courageous battle with Lewy Body Dementia. He lived a life full of curiosity, kindness, and adventure. He traveled the world building businesses and volunteering for WaterFire events across the globe, including right here in Sharon.
We’re grateful for the time we shared with Allan and the legacy he leaves behind. From your friends along the river, thank you, Allan. You’ll always be a part of our story.
In Memory of Daniel “Odin” Smith
WaterFire Sharon honors the life and legacy of Daniel “Odin” Smith. He was a kind soul, gifted artist, and beloved member of our community. Odin’s spirit could be felt in every beat of the drum, every act of compassion, and every moment he shared his light with those around him. Whether leading a drum circle, offering wisdom through his work at The Emerald Tablet, or simply showing up with an open heart, Odin made Sharon a better place. His presence at WaterFire and in our lives will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.
