BRATTLEBORO — “By the People: Brattleboro Goes Fourth” is seeking donors and parade participants as it prepares to celebrate the town's 50th Independence Day event on Tuesday, July 4.
The all-volunteer citizens committee will begin the day at 10 a.m. with a parade from Flat Street to Main Street and the Common. The shorter route comes after requests from older marchers and challenges finding enough volunteers and public safety patrols to monitor a longer distance.
The local Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, which has kicked off fundraising by contributing enough money to cover all parade costs, will lead the lineup with its giant American flag. This is the town's only parade now since the Strolling of the Heifers has ended.
Perennial participants including bands from the local American Legion and Brattleboro Union High School are set to join veterans, civic and youth groups and personality Alfred Hughes Jr., who will cap the event by debuting his annual top-secret ensemble.
After the parade, the town Recreation & Parks Department will offer a series of public concerts, sporting events and family activities at Living Memorial Park - just off Western Avenue and Interstate 91 Exit 2 - throughout the afternoon and evening until the start of fireworks (by Northstar, a Vermont-owned company) at 9:30 p.m.
All July 4 programs are free thanks to citizen, civic, and corporate donations. People can mail contributions to “Brattleboro Goes Fourth,” P.O. Box 1112, Brattleboro, VT 05302.
Those seeking a free application to join the march can email [email protected] before June 21. Those seeking general information can email or log on to the Brattleboro Goes Fourth Facebook page.