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Thirteen Seasons on the River: WaterFire Sharon Says Farewell

For thirteen summers, downtown Sharon went dark on purpose. Floating braziers lined the Shenango River, fire performers worked the banks, and thousands of people came downtown after dark to watch it happen. WaterFire Sharon, PA, a nonprofit arts fund of Community Events, LLC and an affiliate of the Community Foundation of Western Pennsylvania and Eastern Ohio, held 29 lighting events between 2013 and 2025.

"Inspired by the original WaterFire in Providence, Rhode Island, our event brings thousands of people to downtown Sharon each season," the organization wrote of its own mission: to aid in the revitalization of the region and foster community engagement.

2025 was its thirteenth and final season. In its own words: "2025 saw WaterFire Sharon, PA concluding its thirteenth year of performing summer events on the Shenango River in downtown Sharon, Pennsylvania. This summer marked the end of the organization's events." A farewell dinner for volunteers and donors followed on December 18, 2025.

The organization has said a new, not-yet-named group has since formed to support further arts and culture initiatives in downtown Sharon. SCDC will share details here as they're announced. For now, Sharon's biggest modern spectacle has gone dark, and its downtown keeps going.

Source: waterfiresharonpa.org/waterfire-sharon-pa-says-farewell-with-a-celebration/