BRATTLEBORO — After a two-year pandemic pause, the “By the People: Brattleboro Goes Fourth” parade is set to return this Independence Day with a new route.
The town's 49th annual event, scheduled for Monday, July 4, at 10 a.m., will assemble on Flat Street and move north on Main Street to the Common in response to requests from older marchers seeking a shorter length and challenges finding enough volunteers and public safety patrols to monitor a longer distance.
The local Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, which has kicked off fundraising by contributing enough money to cover all parade costs, will lead the annual march with its giant American flag.
Perennial participants including bands from the local American Legion and Brattleboro Union High School, who join veterans, civic and youth groups, and personality Alfred Hughes Jr., who will cap the event by debuting his annual top-secret ensemble.
People seeking a free application to join the march can email brattleborogoesfourth@gmail.com before June 19.
After the parade, the town Recreation & Parks Department will offer a series of public concerts, sporting events, and family activities at Living Memorial Park throughout 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. People can mail donations to “Brattleboro Goes Fourth,” P.O. Box 1112, Brattleboro, VT 05302 and find more information by logging onto the Brattleboro Goes Fourth Facebook page.