GILL — In honor of the town’s 225th anniversary, the Franklin County Boat Club has combined its annual Christmas in July festivities with the annual summer celebration of the town of Gill. The town will hold a pig roast on Saturday, July 28, beginning at 5 p.m. Later in the evening, the boat parade will occur, followed by a fireworks display, sponsored by the club.
The event will take place on the field behind the Riverside School located at 54 French King Highway.
The public is invited to attend the after-dinner entertainment, including a birds of prey demonstration by Tom Ricardi, a police K-9 demonstration, and live music by Ask Wanda.
Administrative Assistant Ray Purington said the event is “an excuse to have a celebration.”
“The theme around these events is to build a community,” said Purington. “We want people to get to know their neighbors and make great memories.”
Purington said while the town is not celebrating at the scale they did in 1993, when the town held its bicentennial festivities, the 225th is worth noting.
The event is paid for in part by the town, which allocated $3,000 in the annual town meeting for the year’s anniversary-related events. The town contributed $700 to the pig roast and fireworks celebration, with another $800 from donations.
Fireworks can be viewed from the field and Riverview Drive, which will be closed to vehicles from Oak Street to Pine Street during the event. Limited parking will be available at the school.
A rain date has been set for Sunday, July 29.
It is recommended to buy tickets by July 21. Tickets are $15 each and are sold at the town hall, Wagon Wheel restaurant, and the Spirit Shoppe. Children 5 and under are free with a paid adult. Checks can be made out to the “Town of Gill.”
“While people are welcome to bring their own drinks, alcoholic beverages are prohibited at the event,” said Purington.