SALISBURY – The parking lot was full and the beach was packed as residents and visitors of all ages flocked to the Town Grove to celebrate the country’s 250th anniversary on Saturday, July 4.
Throughout the afternoon, people cooled off in the lake, ate hot dogs and enjoyed patriotic songs from the Salisbury Band under a blazing hot sun. Concertgoers – many clad in red, white and blue – sat beneath a canopy of trees as they listened to a live reading of the Declaration of Independence, followed by familiar tunes.
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
