SAXTONS RIVER — With a theme of “A Star-Spangled Fourth,” Saxtons River kicks off its annual Independence Day celebration Friday, July 4, with a 5K Firecracker Road Race at 8:30 a.m. and a parade at 9:30.
In addition to the race, sponsored by Pleasant Valley Brew Pub, the day's activities include a street fair highlighted by firefighters' water polo, a hula hoop contest, and music on the bandstand. Miniature golf, an egg toss, a pie contest, face painting and a baseball game (Saxtons River Pirates vs. South Burlington Black Sox) are planned.
From 10 a.m. to noon, Main Street Arts hosts a special showing of the unique theater curtain created by local artist Michelle Ratté, and the Saxtons River Historical Society will be open.
Grand marshals for the parade are longtime community volunteers Kim and Eddie Mack. Eddie works at Vermont Academy and sets up the water polo game after the parade.
Cuisine at the parade includes Thai, Middle Eastern, hot dogs, smoothies, and homemade treats. (And cotton, candy of course.) Vendors from the Bellows Farmers' Market will line Main Street.
Activities move to the Saxtons River Recreation Area in the afternoon, and include swimming, square dancing, a cornhole game, and old-time fiddling with Andy, Laurie, Jill, and Friends, and music for dancing with the Maverick Street Band. Fireworks are at dusk.
This year's T-shirt, designed by local art teacher Mary Lou Massucco, is based on a photograph taken at a parade several years ago. Shirts are on sale from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, June 28, at the Village Market and at the parade.
The day's schedule
• 7:30 a.m. – Race registration;
• 8:30 – 5K Firecracker Road Race;
• 9 – Kids; bike decorating, parade lineup at Vermont Academy;
9:30 – Parade;
10 – Street fair, games, music on the bandstand, water polo;
1:15 p.m. – Saxtons River Pirates vs. South Burlington Black Sox at Vermont Academy;
5 – Square dancing and old-time fiddling with Andy, Laurie, Jill and Friends;
6:30 – The Maverick Street Band;
Dusk – Fireworks.