KENT – The nation’s 250th festivities kicked off on Friday, July 3, with a “Lights and Liberty Parade” down Main Street that featured a fife and drum trio that led George and Martha Washington – husband and wife duo Bill Watts and Sarah Chase – with the Kent Volunteer Fire Department.
Chase chaired the town’s USA 250 Subcommittee, which planned a full weekend of patriotic programming.
Hot weather forced the post-parade entertainment from a bonfire and s’mores to watermelon, popsicles and the “KVFD Mega Soaker,” which was more of a waterfall than a spritzer. Despite the last minute change, the Mega Soaker, courtesy of the Fire Department, proved to be a hit.
As kids and adults revelled in the spray, Town Clerk Darlene Brady, who helped organize much of the evening as a member of the USA 250 Subcommittee, said she couldn’t have been happier with the outcome. “It’s more than I could have envisioned or expected,” she said, “I’m really proud of the community.”
Kent residents sign a symbolic Declaration of Independence on July 4 at the Community House. Ruth Epstein
On Saturday, it was standing-room only during the signing of the Declaration of Independence at the Community House. Civic organizations had booths, the Lions Club provided hot dogs and soda and the 250 Committee provided a large flag cake baked by So Delicious bakery.
Town Clerk Darlene Brady explained the “Let Freedom Ring Project,” a tradition inspired by local artist and collector Eric Sloane that started years ago. In 1962, Sloane and his friend Eric Hatch pitched the idea of a coordinated nationwide celebration.
The suggestion was brought to the attention of then Sen. Abraham Ribicoff, who presented a resolution to the Senate. The matter was forwarded to President John F. Kennedy, who proclaimed the Fourth of July to be ‘National Bell Ringing Day’ through a resolution in 1963.
Late Saturday, after the storm passed, fireworks were held at Lake Waramaug, a bit later than planned.
Patrick L. Sullivan
