Doris ‘Meme’ Miller
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The cannon goes off during Sharon’s Fourth of July celebration.
Phoebe Tobin
Hotchkiss Library Executive Director Gretchen Hackmeister, who served on a town committee that organized the event, said planning had been underway for about a year.
“I remember the bicentennial when I was a kid, and it was really fun and meaningful, so I wanted to be part of it again,” Hackmeister said. “At the library we are reading the Declaration of Independence, so I helped organize that, and I’m excited about that. I think it’s particularly meaningful right now.”
Colonial reenactors set the scene at Sharon’s Fourth of July celebration. Phoebe Tobin
At 12:30 p.m., community members took turns reading sections of the Declaration of Independence. As readers recited the Declaration’s list of grievances against the British Crown, the audience responded to each one with a spirited chorus of boos.
Attendees Scott and Michelle Pastor said they came to celebrate both the nation’s history and their community.
“We were here on the 200th,” Scott Pastor said. “I would ask anybody why they’re not here.”
“We are proud of our country,” Michelle Pastor added, who also expressed pride from being from Sharon. “I was born and raised here.”
The couple said their favorite part of the celebration was seeing so many members of the community come together to mark the occasion.
The event also featured hot dogs and an ice cream truck, all free as a part of the celebration. The event concluded at 2 p.m. with the ringing of bells, a tradition observed across the country, followed by a final cannon salute to mark the occasion.
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A KVFD Mega Soaker took the place of a bonfire during Kent’s Fourth of July festivities.
Alec Linden
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.
Salisbury band plays patriotic tunes after a reading of the Declaration of Independence.
Aly Morrissey
As always, Lou Bucceri assumed the role of Heman Allen, brother of Ethan Allen, who lived in Salisbury for about 20 years. Allen was one of more than 25 Salisbury men who lost their lives in the Revolutionary War. Bucceri read the Declaration of Independence in a booming, theatrical voice for the 24th year.
Bucceri said he keeps coming back year after year because, “It’s the Fourth of July!” He added that the event is a way to stay connected with the Salisbury Association, which sponsors the celebration. “And it’s great material,” he said.
Asked whether he has the Declaration memorized by now, he joked, “No…it’s far too long with too many grievances.”
A boat parade also took place, with vessels decked out in patriotic decorations as they cruised Lake Wononscopomuc, creating a colorful scene on the water for beachgoers.
Informational signs were posted throughout the Grove, highlighting Salisbury’s historic buildings and role in the nation’s early days.
As the storm rolled in, the laser light show at Satre Hill was canceled.
A lake boat is decked out in patriotic decor ahead of the boat parade at the Town Grove July 4. Aly Morrissey
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