BRATTLEBORO — Organizers of Brattleboro's Independence Day celebration have received a major boost from the local Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks to launch a public fundraising effort to pay for the town's 46th annual free family event.
The “By the People: Brattleboro Goes Fourth” citizens committee will mark July 4 with a morning parade downtown and an afternoon and evening of sports, concerts, and fireworks at Living Memorial Park.
The Elks organization, known for leading the annual march with a giant American flag, has kicked off fundraising by contributing enough money to cover all parade costs.
“They've been able to step up, for which we're grateful,” town Recreation and Parks Director Carol Lolatte said in a news release.
The donation is part of the national fraternal organization's mission to invest in communities through programs that help children grow up healthy and drug-free, meet the needs of today's veterans, and improve everyone's quality of life.
Marching units that traditionally include the Brattleboro American Legion and Brattleboro Union High School bands, veterans and civic and youth groups will kick off July 4 at 10 a.m. with a parade along Canal and Main streets to the town Common.
After the parade, the town Recreation & Parks Department will offer a series of public concerts, sporting events, and family activities at Living Memorial Park through the afternoon and evening until the start of fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
All July 4 programs are free, thanks to citizen, civic, and corporate donations. The all-volunteer effort now is working to raise money to pay for fireworks and Living Memorial Park entertainment.