WARDSBORO — The 70th annual Wardsboro 4th of July Parade and Street Fair - the longest consecutive running 4th of July celebration in Vermont - is just around the corner. It will take place Thursday, July 4, rain or shine.
Organizers say they are planning many surprises, as well as the usual exciting events of years past.
New this year will be a “Made in Wardsboro” room with items by local artists and craftspeople displayed in the small meeting room on the first floor on the left as you enter Town Hall.
Those who enter the first-ever Wardsboro 4th of July Hot Dog Eating contest “can enjoy six hotdogs for your free lunch!” according to a news release. The first to finish all six gets “bragging rights” and a trophy. Call Lise or Russ at 802-896-6188 to sign up.
At 9 a.m., the Street Fair Vendors will show off handmade arts and crafts as well as lemonade, baked bread, and ice cream.
Fresh strawberry shortcake will be available in the vestry, with homemade pies and baked items inside Town Hall. The hamburger and hot dog booth outside to the right of Town Hall will start serving around 11 a.m.
White Elephant tables can be found next to MacMichael Park, illustrating the truth of the adage, “One man's trash is another man's treasure.”
At 10 a.m., the parade will go down Main Street with floats ready for display and judging for awards. If you'd like to join the parade, you can march in costume or not, drive your vintage car, create a float, ride a horse, show off your prize cow or emu, or your pet dog, cat, canary, or donkey.
To join the parade simply arrive by 9 a.m. at the bridge on South Wardsboro Road, where there will be someone to greet you and guide you to your place in the parade.
Parking, at $4 per car, will be available in fields on roads entering the town center: on Route 100 entering from the north or south, upper Main Street from Jamaica, and on the South Wardsboro Road. Additionally, there are four accessible spaces provided by the Wardsboro General Store. A shuttle bus is available from some locations.
Volunteers are still needed for this great celebration. Organizers say an hour or two of help would be great - on the evening before to assist setting up tables, chairs, trash bins, etc., or on the day of the Fair, during or after the event to do whatever is needed. To volunteer, contact Chair Katryna Fitzpatrick at 802-896-1047.