With the Fourth of July holiday on Wednesday, here’s a reminder of some of the events in the area.
Greenfield: A reading of the Declaration of Independence is scheduled on the Greenfield Town Common for Wednesday, July 4, from 9 to 10 a.m. The event is organized by David Levandusky, pastor of the Living Waters Assembly of God Church, who will host.
Shelburne Falls: Also on Wednesday, there is a Fourth of July parade in the village starting at 11:30 a.m. The parade, organized by Scout leader Steven Finck, will include Shelburne Falls Cub Scouts, Pack 85, Veterans of Foreign Wars members, the Shelburne Falls Military Band, bagpipes, horseback riders, classic cars and local fire trucks.
Those participating in the parade are asked to line up on Conway Street, Buckland, near the old town highway garage, around 10:30 a.m. The parade will travel to State Street and down the Iron Bridge to Bridge Street, ending up at the Buckland Shelburne Elementary School on Mechanic Street. On the school grounds, there will be music by the Shelburne Falls Military Band, a bounce house for children, and a Cub Scouts’ chicken dinner barbecue ($12).
If you’re looking for fireworks on Wednesday, there’s a choice between two communities.
Brattleboro: The southern Vermont town’s Independence Day celebration is scheduled for Wednesday, and will include a parade marching through the downtown beginning at 10 a.m. Festivities and music will continue until fireworks light up the night sky at Living Memorial Park, starting at 9:30 p.m.
Amherst: Also on Wednesday, the town of Amherst will also be holding its annual Independence Day celebration, set to begin at 5 p.m. at McGuirk Stadium at the University of Massachusetts. The event will feature hot air balloon and carnival rides, food and music, with fireworks beginning at 9:30 p.m. Parking costs $5.
Greenfield: The city is scheduled to hold its annual Fourth of July celebration at Beacon Field on Friday. The fun is expected to begin at Beacon Field at 4 p.m., with performances happening until the fireworks begin at 9:35 p.m.
These performances include Irish dancing from Celtic Heels School at 5:15 p.m., the Greenfield Military Band at 8:30 p.m. and “The Star Spangled Banner” sung by Charlemont native and country singer Holly May at 9:30 p.m.
The Fortin Family Award will be given out at 7:10 p.m. The award, given in honor of Tina and Ken Fortin, is given annually to recognize an individual or family that has provided outstanding service to the Greenfield community.
A rain date is scheduled for July 7.