BRATTLEBORO — In 1912, our town celebrated itself with a theatrical extravaganza called the “Brattleboro Pageant.” Witnessed by thousands on the Connecticut River at Island Park, the program dramatized the community's history and hopes.
A hundred years later, “Brattleboro Goes Fourth” - this time, with a commemorative July 4 parade.
Brattleboro's 2012 Independence Day celebration will honor the community's past, present, and future with a variety of free family activities.
The morning of July 4, the 39th annual downtown parade will feature not only its usual bands and community marchers but also several re-creations of scenes from the 1912 pageant, including an updating of the “Brattleboro Beautiful” finale.
A century ago, children representing the future circled around Brattleboro-born New York opera star Mary Howe; this year, local youth and their supporters will carry messages of empowerment alongside present-day personality Alfred Hughes Jr.
The 10 a.m. march along Canal and Main streets will be followed by an afternoon and evening of free public festivities and fireworks at Living Memorial Park.
The “By the People: Brattleboro Goes Fourth” citizens committee planning the event is inviting all area individuals, businesses and organizations to offer donations at its WTSA radiothon on May 4 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the River Garden on Main Street.
To curb expenses and allow the community to give more to other causes, our all-volunteer effort is limiting spending to local bands, appropriate liability insurance, and security and fireworks.
To all those who stop by our radiothon, seek a parade application, or get more information by emailing us at brattleborogoesfourth@gmail.com, we offer thanks.