GUILFORD-After a hiatus of several years, the village of Guilford Center will revive its Fourth of July tradition, coinciding with the 150th anniversary of the Broad Brook Grange, established in 1874.
The community is invited to join in the festivities on Thursday, July 4, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., for a community picnic, reminiscent of early Grange gatherings and sponsored by the Broad Brook Grange.
The day kicks off at 11 a.m. at the recently restored Guilford Center Meeting House, courtesy of the Guilford Historical Society, which is collaborating on the event.
Visitors can cool off with commemorative church fans, explore a historic flag exhibit, and listen to a reading of the Declaration of Independence by "two new Guilford residents who fled their homes to find liberty," according to a news release.
Barbara Fitch Haumann, president of the Broad Brook Grange, who grew up in Guilford, will extend a warm welcome and reflect on the organization's enduring legacy. Guilford poet Verandah Porche will present a poem for the occasion.
Following the gathering, participants will take a leisurely stroll - rather than a parade - to the Broad Brook Community Center, led by accordionist Joan Peters.
Along the way, attendees can stop at the Guilford Free Library or enjoy games at the nearby Playscape, organized by the Recreation Commission. The library will also distribute free ice pops and will be offering child care during the event.
Under a picnic tent at the Community Center, the Guilford Country Store will offer a range of lunch options for sale, including cheeseburgers, hot dogs, vegan burgers, and corn on the cob.
The event also features exhibits by nonprofit organizations, photo sessions with LifeSketch Photography, and music, complemented by a traditional Grange bingo game inside.
The Broad Brook Community Center board will serve strawberry shortcake (donations appreciated), alongside watermelon and beverages.
An exhibit showcasing 150 years of Grange history will be on display, with an additional opportunity upstairs to view the ongoing art show, "Our World in Words and Pictures," featuring Guilford poets and visual artists.
Rain or shine, the event will proceed, with ample parking available at Springs Farm on Carpenter Hill Road.
The Community Center parking lot will be reserved for those who need accessible parking.
Limited spots also available at the Library, Museum, and Playscape.
For more information, visit bit.ly/771-july4guilford.
This News item was submitted to The Commons.