KENT, Conn.—The Selectmen last week approved the plans for a town-wide celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary. A 250 Subcommittee has been working for months to develop the schedule of events, which will feature a gala weekend starting Friday, July 3, at 2 p.m. with bell ringing at the Sloane Museum, followed by a “Lights & Liberty” parade at 6 p.m.
A community bonfire and public signing of the Declaration of Independence will be held at 7 p.m.
The parade celebrates he ideals of freedom and democracy, the beauty and traditions of Kent, he history of the nation and our community and aims to promote unity, neighborliness and civic pride.
Residents, families, community groups, nonprofits and local businesses are invited to participate in the town’s Lights & Liberty Parade, a festive kickoff to our community’s celebration of the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
Participants are encouraged to create illuminated floats, decorated vehicles, and creative displays celebrating America, Kent, and the spirit of community, but to ensure that the parade remains welcoming and enjoyable, guidelines have been drawn up that will be posted on the Town’s website along with the registration form.
“Our goal is to create an experience where families feel comfortable participating and watching together,” subcommittee members wrote.
The guidelines cover topics such as decoration themes, family friendly standards, exclusion of political advocacy or protest messaging, safety and lighting of floats and vehicles, and more.
Darlene Brady will be the grand marshal and the subcommittee endowed her with the inalienable right to interpret and enforce the guidelines.
Staging for the parade will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the Town Hall, with step-off at 6 o’clock. The parade will progress from Town Hall, down Main Street and end at the firehouse on Maple Street.
Saturday, July 4, events will take place on the Town Hall lawn, beginning at noon with a collective singing of the “Star Spangled Banner” and continuing the public signing of the Declaration. Jennie Rehnberg of the Roger Sherman Chapter of the CT Daughters of the American Revolution offered to loan a Betsy Ross flag, with the suggestion that the Boy Scouts raise the flag at 1 p.m.
There will be a public reading of the Declaration, followed by town-wide participation in the national ceremonial bellringing at 2 p.m.
Meanwhile, from noon to 3 p.m., there will be an “America’s Birthday” community picnic, with cake, food and refreshments provided through community partnerships. Interactive tents featuring games, educational activities and demonstrations, and USA 250 merchandise for sale will be on the grounds.
The day will end with music and fireworks at Lake Waramaug State Park.
Also on Saturday, 250 Subcommittee member Meadow Moerschell will attend day-long official ceremonies in Hartford, where she will represent the town as its designated signer for the State of Connecticut’s commemorative Declaration of Independence.