BRATTLEBORO — Organizers of Brattleboro's Independence Day celebration are launching a public fundraising effort to help pay for the town's 44th annual free family event.
The “By the People: Brattleboro Goes Fourth” citizens committee will mark July 4 with a morning parade downtown and afternoon and evening of sports, concerts, and fireworks at Living Memorial Park.
Brattleboro's Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, known for leading the annual march with its giant American flag, is kicking off the fundraising by contributing enough money to cover all parade costs, according to a news release.
“They've been able to step up, for which we're grateful, so we can continue to do what we do,” Recreation and Parks Director Carol Lolatte said in the release.
In addition, four local businesses - C&S Wholesale Grocers, G.S. Precision, the Holstein Association, and the Richards Group - have agreed to be the celebration's main sponsors.
Seven other institutions - the Brattleboro American Legion and Kiwanis Club, Chroma Technology Corp., Dead River Company, Marina Restaurant, Sam's Outdoor Outfitters, and Vermont Country Deli - also have contributed significantly.
Those collective donations are allowing the all-volunteer effort to team with the Brattleboro Savings & Loan to focus their fundraising efforts on fireworks.
“We think it's important to have a community event that's meant for every member of the community,” Savings & Loan representative Brandie Starr says of her association's involvement.
Donations may be made through a link on the Brattleboro Savings & Loan Facebook page, by mailing donations to “Brattleboro Goes Fourth,” P.O. Box 1112, Brattleboro, VT 05302, or by stopping by the bank on Friday, June 16, at the event's annual 96.7 WTSA-FM radiothon from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Marching units, to include the Brattleboro American Legion and Brattleboro Union High School bands, veterans, and civic and youth groups will kick off July 4 at 10 a.m. with a parade along Canal and Main streets to the town Common.
The town Recreation & Parks Department will then offer a series of public concerts, sporting events, and family activities at Living Memorial Park throughout the afternoon and evening until the start of fireworks (by Northstar, a Vermont-owned company) at 9:30 p.m.
All programs are free thanks to individual, civic, and corporate donations.