Volunteers and supporters welcome to march

As Vermont approaches the 247th Anniversary Celebration of American Independence, Convention of States Vermont is preparing to participate in parades statewide. Marchers are welcome.

On the evening of July 3 our state Veterans Coalition Director, Gerald Malloy, will be leading a team of patriots in the Montpelier Parade. This is a huge event at our State Capital where upwards of 15,000 people will be gathered on the State House Lawn! There are tons of food vendors and entertainment including fireworks.

Here is the information for the Montpelier Parade. We are marching right behind “Kennedy for President”, it’s a great spot to be placed in. Please show up by 5:30 pm so you don’t miss out!

On July 4, we are all heading south to participate in Wardsboro’s 74th annual Street Fair! Wardsboro was the home of COS District Captain George Wilson, who passed away recently. We are gathering at 9:30a m for this event and the Parade kicks off at 10am. 

COS parade organizers will have a juggler, bubbles, music, batons, T-shirts, candy, and buttons… So, come wearing your Red, White, and Blue and have some fun celebrating the birth of our Country and sharing how an Article V Convention can save our Constitutional Republic.

Orange County parade schedules – if you’re not into COS but you are looking for a small-town parade experience, a trip to Orange County might be worth your while, the Journal-Opinion reports.

The weather forecast is for rain and thunder for much of tomorrow so keep that in mind.

East Corinth – this year’s 32nd Fourth of July parade theme is “Pursuit of Happiness.”

All activities will be held in the village of East Corinth. The parade will take place at 10 a.m. and start at the north end of the village and continue towards the East Corinth General Store. From there, the parade will make its way down to the East Corinth Fairgrounds.

All float entries must meet at the upper end of the village at 9 a.m.

After the conclusion of the parade, the 76th East Corinth Congregational Church chicken BBQ will be held at the fairgrounds beginning at 11 a.m. Meals cost $15 and include a half chicken, coleslaw, mostaccioli, rolls, dessert, and a beverage, and will be served until supplies run out.

There will be a silent auction from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., as well as a live auction beginning at noon. There will be kids’ activities including face and rock painting, a fishpond with prizes, and music.

Fairlee – The theme of the Orford‑Fairlee parade is “Independence Day: Past, Present, and Future.” All entries are welcome. Be at the staging area (Rivendell Middle School), Route 25A at 10 a.m., with the parade beginning at 11 a.m. Theme ribbons will be handed out for first, second, and third place, as well as “Best in Parade.” The Judge’s Stand will be at Chapman’s Place in Fairlee.

The parade route will follow Route 25A from Rivendell to Route 10 north to Bridge Street to Route 5 south in Fairlee. Unlicensed drivers must be accompanied by a licensed adult. Please no water balloons or candy — throwing from moving vehicles/floats. Walkers may hand out candy.

At noon on the Fairlee Town Common there will be a walk -up/drive through chicken BBQ, (take-out only), with pie and ice cream at the Fairlee Community Church.

There will be a live band on the Fairlee Town Common from 6:30 to 8 p.m., with fireworks beginning at 7:30 p.m. over Lake Morey.

Wells River – At 11 a.m., the annual parade begins at Woodsville Elementary School, travels west along Central Street and crosses the river into Wells River where it continues north on Main Street until the fire station. The theme for this year’s parade is “Party Like It’s 1776!” The parade will form at Woodsville Elementary School, with entries asked to be there before 10 a.m. There is no fee to enter but there will be three categories for entries to win cash prizes.

After the parade, activities continue at the Community Field. Vertical Attractions will have their inflatables ready for all to enjoy. Plus, there will be food vendors, a bingo tent, a dunk tank, and music under a tent. There is a chance anyone can take a turn sitting on the dunk tank seat and raising money for the nonprofit organization of their choice. Please visit wwr4th.org to get contact information to get some seat time. There is no charge to attend these activities. Rides and food cost extra depending on the vendor.

The fireworks display will begin at 10 p.m. and will be shot from the Paddy Acres area of Wells River. The best place to watch this display is from the Community Field. For more information or registration, visit wwr4th.org.

Rochester, in Windsor County, will hold its annual parade at 11 AM.

The following is a partial listing of Independence Day celebration information culled from HappyVermont.com, an excellent informational website maintained by Erica Houskeeper and David Barron:

Stowe – 10 AM parade, July 4. 

North Bennington – festivities 5-10 PM, July 3. 

Cabot – 11 AM parade, July 4. 

Brattleboro – 10 AM parade, July 4. 

Poultney – 10 AM parade, July 4.  

Killington – July 4 parade. 

Richmond – 10:35 AM parade, July 4. 

Jeffersonville – 10 AM parade, July 4. 

Warren – 10 AM parade, July 4. 

Bristol – July 4 parade. 

Hartland – 10 AM parade, July 4. 

Burlington – Fireworks at dusk, July 3.

Go to HappyVermont.com for more details.