Celebrate the 4th of July

Description

Patriotic music, singing, and a parade all add up to an old fashioned Independence Day celebration in Saratoga. The free event will be held on Friday, July 4 from 9:30 to 11 AM at the Kevin Moran Park at 12415 Scully Avenue in Saratoga. Mayor Emily Lo will give the welcome speech and Council member Chuck Page and Vice Mayor Howard Miller will emcee. A special presentation by US Army Master Sergeant David M. Kennedy is also part of the program.

This 12th annual event encourages everyone to wear red, white and blue in celebration of the day. Those who served in the military are encouraged to wear their uniforms.

The old-fashioned program is produced by volunteers and is one of the most popular of Saratoga community events.

Other highlights in the free event include the US Army color guard; patriotic tunes from the McCartysville Volunteer Band; singing, costumed American historical characters; and a parade around the park. Free US flags and popsicles are given to children. Chairs and shade are also provided.

Centerpiece of the Event
The centerpiece of the program includes a “Voices of Freedom” tableau created by Bill Allison, Saratoga Federated Church minister. The Voices of Freedom is a brief history of the US through the eyes of patriots from the birth of the US to the present. Combining 25 costumed US characters; quotes about freedom; and music – the original presentation begins with the father of the US, George Washington and progresses to raising of the US flag at Iwo Jima to the flag that became the symbol of courage in the aftermath of the World Trade Center in 2011. The program reminds the audience that America is made up of ordinary people who stepped up and did extraordinary things in the name of freedom.

Sons of the American Revolution Participate
Members of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) donning colorful costumes and portraying famous US figures such as Patrick Henry, George Washington and others will ring a bell representing the Liberty Bell in a formal presentation.

Patriotic Singing
A volunteer children’s choir made up of participants from the audience will lead the audience in a series of stirring patriotic songs.

The McCartysville Band
The McCartysville Volunteer Band will play a medley of patriotic songs beginning at 9:30AM. Members of the military are honored during a series of armed forces songs during the event. The band is comprised of a group of brass/wood-wind and percussionists that perform once a year for the July 4th program. The band has from 35 to 60 musicians. The band's name honors Martin McCarty, a 19th century Irishman, who was one of the early settlers in Saratoga.

Musicians interested in playing in the McCartysville band can go up to http://www.saratogaJuly4.com or http://www.villageband.com and request additional information. Advanced middle-school level or better musicians are preferred.

Parade Around the Park
The event ends with a parade around the park and led by the US Army color guard.Everyone is invited to participate while the McCartysville band plays. People, bikes, dogs, and wagons decked in red, white and blue and waving flags provide a colorful procession. Popsicles are given out at the end of the procession.

Operation: Care and Comfort
Operation Care and Comfort will have a table enabling letters and donations to be made. Operation Care and Comfort is a nationally recognized program that supports troops, veterans and their families in a variety of ways..

Participants/Sponsors
Those interested in sponsoring the event can contact event organizer, Sarah Okuno by calling 408-867-4577 or going up to http://www.saratogaJuly4.com to view the opportunities. This highly attended event is another way of supporting the community. Sponsors include the City of Saratoga, Gene’s Market, Rotary Club of Saratoga, Saratoga Lions Club, Saratoga Federated Church, and the Saratoga Historical Foundation.

More Info

Link

http://www.saratogaJuly4.com

Call

408.867.4311

Email

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