REGION – Below is a list of celebrations and festivities throughout the region for Fourth of July and America’s 250th anniversary.
ACWORTH, N.H. –
The Town of Acworth will mark a historic milestone in America’s story with “Acworth Celebrates,” a communitywide celebration honoring the 250th anniversary of the United States, to be held on Saturday, July 4, from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., at the Acworth Town Common by the Acworth Town Hall.
This family-friendly event will bring neighbors and visitors together for an afternoon of patriotism, history, and community spirit. Festivities will include a potluck picnic, local vendors and crafts, live music, and readings from America’s founding documents, along with other activities celebrating the nation’s founding and Acworth’s role in that shared heritage.
Community members are encouraged to participate in the potluck picnic and coordinate dishes in advance. Attendees can register their potluck item and see what others are bringing at www.perfectpotluck.com/AUPO0832.
The celebration is sponsored by the Acworth Community Project, which is still seeking vendors and volunteers to help make this landmark event a success. For more information, or to inquire about volunteering or vendor participation, please contact Michael Aron at michaelaron66@yahoo.com or 603-843-7887.
Mark your calendars and plan to join friends and neighbors as Acworth celebrates 250 years of American independence with food, music, history, and community pride.
BROWNSVILLE, Vt. –
The Brownsville Independence Day Committee (IDC), made up of community volunteers, is looking forward to welcoming folks from near and far to our Ascutney Mountain on July 3. The evening begins at 6 p.m., and we ask that you please follow the signs entering and leaving the parking lot. To help with this year’s increased costs, there is a suggested parking donation, which is greatly appreciated.
On the slopes adjacent to Ascutney Outdoors, there will be live music by the Firehouse Dixie Land Band and delicious delicacies for you to enjoy. Returning this year is American Pie with their sweet or savory wood-fired pizzas. Our reliable Moonlighters will again be flipping the best burgers and hot dogs, accompanied by fries and soft drinks. New this year, we are pleased to welcome The Waffle Cabin to delight everyone’s sweet tooth.
All of this is followed by the grand America 250 fireworks.
The next morning, July 4, down in Brownsville Village, an abundant community breakfast at Brownsville Community Church is planned. Then, in the church’s Tribute Park Pavilion, there will be lively, wear-off-the-calories line dancing for all ages followed by crafty vendors selling their wares, important local groups sharing important information, and a book sale. Outside, there will be music, the sweet aromas of grilled goodies, finger lickin’ fried chicken, and luscious Mexican fare. Watching calories? Get a fruit smoothie prepared by the Fast Squad volunteers. This will be followed by the grand America 250 Brownsville Independence Day Parade.
Then, let the 250th Revolutionary Celebration Games begin. These revolutionary festivities kick off at 10 a.m., at Albert Bridge School in Brownsville, Vt. Get ready for a morning of high-energy fun and historical spirit. Locals and kids from neighboring towns are all welcome.
Calling all cyclists; throughout the morning, visit our crafting station for bike-decorating supplies. We want to see your most patriotic designs for the big America 250 bike parade.
Many lawn games will be available throughout the day, including bocci, Kan Jam, badminton, cornhole, and croquet. There will also be a potato sack race, three-legged race, wheelbarrow race, and the Refreshing Sponge Relay. These events will run from 10-11:20 a.m.
To help us with the fun, please contact Jenifer at 603-303-6337 or Linda at 802-230-5325.
On July 4, at about 1 p.m., on the steps of Story Memorial Hall in West Windsor, resident poet Peter Money, in costume, will read for us the Declaration of Independence, and Elisha Huebner will play “The Star-Spangled Banner” for us on his trumpet.
Start the day on July 4 with the 1976 and 2026 Brownsville time capsule event, followed by an abundant community breakfast at Brownsville Community Church. Then, next door in the Tribute Park Pavilion, there will be lively, wear-off-the-calories line dancing for all ages. From 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., there will be the very special America 250 exhibit, crafty vendors will be selling their wares, important local groups will be sharing important information, and a book sale will be taking place. Outside, there will be music and the sweet aromas of grilled goodies by the Moonlighters, finger lickin’ fried chicken by Rollin’ Rooster, and luscious ice cream concoctions by Sunny Day Scoops. Grab a fruit smoothie prepared by the West Windsor Fast Squad volunteers to enjoy during the Grand Brownsville Independence Day Parade, where you’ll see, among many other entries, several colonial characters and floats commemorating America 250.
Memories will be made on July 3, on Ascutney Mountain, where folks will enjoy music, food, and the Grand America 250 fireworks.
CAVENDISH, Vt. –
Two-hundred-and-fifty years ago, many colonists learned about the Declaration of Independence by hearing it read at their local coffee houses. One of the earliest readings took place at the Merchant Coffee House in Philadelphia. People of all socioeconomic statuses went to these establishments for their favorite beverage, food, and, most importantly, the news of the day. The seeds of revolution were planted in the coffee houses of the day.
The Cavendish Historical Society (CHS), in conjunction with Super Roasted, 73 Depot Street in Proctorsville, Vt., will be reenacting how many colonists first heard about the declaration. A special reading will take place on July 4, at 9 a.m., at Super Roasted – a great way to kick off the nation’s 250th birthday.
Continuing the 250th party, CHS, with the help of community members Becky Plunkard, Shirley Clark, and Cavendish Town Elementary School (CTES) sixth graders, have been placing painted rocks throughout the town. You’ll find them in the cemeteries, at the graves of Revolutionary soldiers, in town parks, and at various historic locations. The search begins on July 3, and goes throughout the summer. Please take all the pictures you want, but leave the rocks until the fall.
All the rocks are painted red, white, and blue with the exception of three. Honoring both the flag of the Green Mountain Boys and Vermont’s first flag as an independent republic, it is now the official flag of the Vermont Army and Air National Guard. The flag is green, with a canton (the rectangular emblem in the upper left corner) of blue with 13 white stars. See if you can find all three.
For more information, call 802-226-7807 or email margocaulfield@icloud.com.
CLAREMONT, N.H. –
Independence Day celebrations in Claremont begin on Friday, July 3, from 1-5 p.m., in downtown Claremont, with food vendors, pop-up shops, local artisans, and live music. There will also be a touch-a-truck event and a scavenger hunt, followed by fireworks at Monadnock Park, at 9:30 p.m.
On Saturday morning, July 4, there will be family fun on the visitor center green.
In addition, winners of the Claremont Historical Society’s “250 Years of America” art contest from Disnard and Maple Avenue elementary schools, Claremont Middle School, and Stevens High School will have their pieces displayed at the Claremont History Museum, 26 Mulberry Street.
GRAFTON, Vt. –
GraftonVtCelebrates is happy to announce that Richard Desrochers and Bill Toomey will serve as grand marshals for our 250th Celebration Parade in Grafton, Vt., on June 27, at 11 a.m. The parade route is Townshend Road to Main Street, to Pleasant Street, and back to start.
Following the parade, Grafton is hosting a birthday bash at the ballfield, from 12-3 p.m., with food and entertainment, including live music, horse-drawn wagon rides, and children’s games.
If you get to know Desrochers and Toomey, you will learn that they have a number of things in common. They each came to live in Grafton in the ‘60s, music has been a big part of their lives, both are veterans, and both men have been fully involved in Grafton life over the years. Despite spending most of their lives in Grafton, neither lay claim to being long-timers, although Desrochers married into a family that was among Grafton’s earliest settlers and lives in the Park family home, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Both Desrochers and Toomey enjoy talking with others and sharing stories from their interesting lives.
Desrochers married Martha Park, an 11th-generation descendent of Grafton settlers and longtime teacher at Central School in Bellows Falls. Desrochers has been a proud member of Grafton Coronet Band for almost 70 years, serving part of that time as band president.
Music drove many of Toomey’s life choices. Toomey and his wife, Diana, spent a year in Holland, where he wanted to revive his musical skills, and four years in Switzerland. Bill taught classical guitar at The Putney School and worked with others to found a music school in Brattleboro that still operates to this day. Bill worked for more than 30 years at The Old Tavern, much of that time as assistant innkeeper, where he organized a well-received concert series for many years and taught instrumental music on his days off, including the lute.
Desrochers and Toomey were board members of the Grafton Historical Society (GHS), with Desrochers serving some of that time as president. They worked together, and Desrochers was a particularly driving force in the long process of recognizing historic buildings and four districts in Grafton on the National Register of Historic Places, as well as in the purchase and restoration of the Brick Meeting House. Toomey continues to be a GHS weekend docent. Desrochers is also a longtime member of the Grafton Fire Department.
After retirement, Toomey joined the Grafton Cares Board and became a Meals on Wheels driver. He also regularly visits and supports local veterans. He has also enjoyed a poetry group at the Grafton Library. Desrochers takes pride in maintaining the Park family home and land, including mowing around and in the cellar hole of the original Grafton (then known as Thomlinson) Meeting House. Desrochers continues to support the Grafton Band and happily shares his knowledge about Grafton history and historic places with groups and individuals.
LONDONDERRY, Vt. –
The Londonderry Arts and Historical Society is launching its Pop-up Art series on July 4, at the Custer Sharp House, on Middletown Road in Londonderry. Thanks to grants from The Thrifty Attic and The Community Fund of Londonderry, our popular Pop-up Art, led by local artists, will be held at the Custer Sharp House every Saturday, from 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., from July 4 – Aug. 9.
On Saturday, July 4, art teacher Casey Junker Bailey will open the series with her famously fantastic hats. Join Bailey before or after the parade to create wearable sculpture, suitable for celebrations of all kinds. Like all of our pop-up programs, the workshop is free, fun, and suitable for all ages. All materials are provided; there is no need to register. Just stop by with friends or family for some creative fun.
On the following two Saturdays, July 11 and July 18, local art teacher, professional artist, and muralist Kim Ray will lead a collaborative bluebird mural workshop, offering participants a unique opportunity to sketch, paint, and learn about the beauty and ecology of eastern bluebirds. The event is completely free of charge, and all necessary art supplies will be provided.
Located at the historic Custer Sharp House, 2461 Middletown Road, the Londonderry Arts and Historical Society is dedicated to preserving the rich heritage of the Londonderry community while fostering contemporary cultural experiences through art exhibitions, educational workshops, and community events. For more information, visit www.lahsvt.org.
LUDLOW, Vt. –
On Saturday, July 4, Ludlow will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence with a grand parade, a historic 1776-style celebration, and other events. Join us for a day of patriotic fun and community spirit.
At 10 a.m., kick off the day with our grand parade. Following the parade, head over to Veterans Park on Main Street for a Johnny Murphy barbecue, live music, dancing, and family-friendly festivities. George Washington and Thomas Jefferson will be there for a meet-and-greet.
There will be a Liberty Tree dedication on the Black River High School lawn, at 9 a.m., followed by a parade from Benson’s Chevrolet through downtown Ludlow, beginning at 10 a.m.
Then, from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., festivities will be held at Veterans Park. Step back into 1776 and recite the Declaration of Independence with Thomas Jefferson. There will be music and patriotic songs, period dances, a barbecue, and birthday cake with George and Martha Washington.
In the evening, from 6-9:30 p.m., at the Okemo base area, there will be food vendors, live music by Rustie Bus, and fireworks launched from Okemo at dusk.
We want you in our 1776-themed parade. We are looking for kids with decorated bikes (win a prize for best decorated), civic organizations, local clubs, Black River High School alumni floats, local businesses, performers, classic vehicles, marching groups, and animals (horses, cows, oxen, goats, llamas, etc.). Dress up your dog and win a prize. The parade is open to all surrounding towns.
To be in the parade, contact one of the event cochairs: Kim Lampert, 802-228-4000 or kimberlylampert@bensonschevy.com, or Penny Wu, 802-228-2860 or pwu@ludlow.vt.us.
PLYMOUTH, Vt. –
Americans from across the country will gather in Plymouth Notch, Vt., from July 2-4, as the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Foundation and the Vermont Division for Historic Preservation host a major national celebration of America’s 250th anniversary at the birthplace and boyhood home of President Calvin Coolidge.
The three-day celebration, “America 250 at the Notch,” will bring together citizens from across the country for a unique observance of the semiquincentennial at one of America’s best-preserved presidential sites. The event will feature a civic ceremony, music, student debates, living-history performances, and opportunities for public participation, all centered on the enduring principles of the Declaration of Independence.
“To spend the Fourth of July with Calvin Coolidge is especially meaningful,” said Matthew Denhart, president of the Coolidge Foundation. “A century ago, President Coolidge led America’s 150th anniversary celebration and delivered what many regard as the finest modern speech on the Declaration of Independence, ‘The Inspiration of the Declaration.’ As our nation marks 250 years of independence, there is no better place to reflect on the meaning of citizenship and self-government than with Coolidge in Plymouth Notch.”
Throughout the celebration, visitors are invited to explore the historic village where Coolidge was born, raised, and sworn in as president in 1923. The events will also celebrate the birthday of Calvin Coolidge, the only president born on the Fourth of July.
Highlights include the following:
Coolidge Cup National Speech & Debate Tournament, July 2-4 – Nearly 100 of the nation’s top high school students will gather in Plymouth Notch to compete in the Coolidge Cup National Championship. Students will debate questions of constitutional government and deliver historic speeches. Members of the public are invited to serve as citizen judges or attend rounds as spectators.
America 250 Orchestra Evening, July 3, at 6 p.m. – A 26-piece orchestra conducted by John M. Masko will perform beloved American favorites, including marches by John Philip Sousa and Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture,” complete with live cannon fire, courtesy of the Vermont Civil War Hemlocks. Guests are invited to bring picnic dinners and gather at the historic site for this tented performance. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests are invited to bring a lawn chair or blanket in the event of overflow seating.
Naturalization ceremony, July 4, at 10 a.m. – Experience one of America’s most moving civic traditions. Join us as 50 individuals take the Oath of Allegiance and become U.S. citizens in a public ceremony presided over by Judge Mary Kay Lanthier. A celebratory reception to welcome the new citizens will follow.
Public reading of the Declaration of Independence, July 4, at 11:30 a.m. – Vermont’s 80th governor, James Douglas, will lead visitors in a community reading of the Declaration of Independence on the Plymouth Notch Village Green, bringing Americans together to reflect on the principles that have guided the nation for 250 years.
Ceremonial procession and wreath-laying, July 4, 12 p.m. – Members of the Vermont National Guard and the Coolidge family will lead a procession to the Coolidge gravesite, where a wreath sent by the White House will honor America’s 30th president. Direct descendants of Calvin and Grace Coolidge will read selections from Coolidge’s landmark speech “The Inspiration of the Declaration.” Coolidge biographer and Foundation Chair Amity Shlaes and Vermont State Historic Preservation Officer Laura Trieschmann will offer remarks.
The celebration continues throughout the afternoon with a birthday party honoring both America and President Coolidge. Experience history come to life with captivating portrayals of Calvin Coolidge and John Adams, and cheer on the nation’s brightest young minds during the championship rounds of the Coolidge Cup National Speech & Debate Tournament.
Additional information, schedules, and opportunities to participate are available at www.coolidgereview.com/America-250.
SAXTONS RIVER, Vt. –
The Saxtons River Fourth of July Committee is excited to announce the details of this year’s celebration, which is scheduled to take place Saturday, July 4, on Main Street in the Village of Saxtons River, Vt. This year marks the 81st Fourth of July celebration in Saxtons River, and the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Everyone loves a parade, and this year’s theme is “Once Upon a River.” Everyone is invited to enter, and the best parade entry will receive a $500 prize. The parade entry form may be found at www.srvtfourth.org/parade.
The day starts with the Firecracker 5K run, and a 9-mile or 14-mile bike ride, called the “Tour des Villages,” with routes towards Grafton. To commemorate the 250th anniversary of its signing, Mike Peller, head of school for Vermont Academy, and a special guest will read the Declaration of Independence from the band stand, starting at 12 p.m.
New this year, the “Tour des Villages” is a cycling event for all ages and abilities. Check-in opens on Saturday, July 4, at 9:10 a.m. Start time is 9:30 a.m. There are 9-mile and 14-mile distances starting at The Saxtons River Inn, biking towards Grafton. You set your own pace, and tell us your chosen distance and how much time it will take you. The two riders closest to their predicted time each win a $100 cash prize. A small entrance fee is payable in cash at check-in.
More details about this event can be found at www.srvtfourth.org. For more information, text Dave Moore at 802-289-9006. Preregister by text message at 802-289-9006, stating whether you are riding 9 miles or 14 miles, and your prediction of your time to the second. Please include your name and cell number. Example: “John Doe. 14 miles. 73 minutes 28 seconds. 802-555-5555.”
At 11 a.m., American Legion Post 37 will open the parade with this year’s Grand Marshals Denny McArdle and Berta Martin, followed by decorated bikes, vintage cars, a fife-and-drum corps, emergency vehicles, floats, and so much more. After the parade, there are activities for all ages, including the firefighter’s water polo contest, cotton candy, a dunk booth, a hula hoop contest, an egg toss competition, a bounce house and other kids’ games, great food, and live, local musicians up on the bandstand. The celebration ends with pickup softball and pickleball games at the Saxtons River Recreation Area.
Local artist Whitney Barrett created this year’s collectors T-shirt design, and, new for this year, a collectable pin. The designs capture the magic that happens in our beloved village and the theme “Once Upon a River.” Barrett is based in Saxtons River, and works primarily in 2D media, including collage, pen and ink, acrylic paint, and found text. Barrett teaches full time at Vermont Academy in the humanities department and shows her work locally at Canal Street Art Gallery in Bellows Falls.
T-shirts will also be available at the street fair on July 4, while supplies last. The price helps cover expenses associated with this daylong event. A full schedule of the day’s events can be found at www.srvtfourth.org/schedule.
There are so many ways to participate. There’s still time to enter the parade, local bakers can bake a pie for the contest, runners can run in the Firecracker 5K, cyclists can bike, and anyone can compete in the hula-hoop contest or egg toss, play games, and eat great food at the street fair, or volunteer and lend a helping hand. Learn more at www.srvtfourth.org.