SAXTONS RIVER — With a theme of “School Days,” Saxtons River will kick off its annual Independence Day celebration Saturday, July 4, with a 5K Firecracker road race at 8:30 a.m., followed by a parade at 9:30 a.m.
In addition to the race sponsored by Pleasant Valley Brew Pub, the day's activities include a street fair highlighted by the firefighters' water polo, a hula hoop contest and music on the bandstand.
Miniature golf, an egg toss, a pie contest, face painting, and food vendors are also on the schedule.
Grand marshal for the parade is Chris Kibbe, longtime area educator. Kibbe grew up on his family's blueberry farm and attended the Saxtons River Elementary School. In 1991, he became principal of the school, then assistant superintendent of the Windham Northeast Supervisory Union, and is currently superintendent.
The elementary school is celebrating its 100th birthday this year and will be open on the Fourth to welcome former students, teachers and staff.
Pie bakers are bringing out their best recipes to enter into the annual pie contest. Pies are due on the porch of the Saxtons River Inn by 9 a.m. for judging by a select group of pie aficionados. The winner receives a special apron.
Pie contest organizer John Bohannon defines a pie as “anything with a crust and a filling,” which last year included a Canadian meat pie. Past entries have been more traditional dessert pies: apple, blueberry, raspberry, peach, rhubarb, and last year's winner, pecan.
Slices of the pies are available for purchase afterwards. “They go fast,” said Bohannon. “Last year, I didn't even get a taste.”
Afternoon activities move to the Saxtons River Rec Area and include swimming, square dancing, a Cornhole game and old-time fiddling with Andy, Laurie, Jill and Friends, and music for dancing, all topped off with fireworks at dusk. There will also be cotton candy and Glo-stix for sale. The Saxtons River Rec will be selling food and hosting a basket raffle.
Information and updates are available at the Saxtons River Fourth of July page on Facebook.