Thanks to the efforts of a dedicated committee of seven along with the support of the Village of Ellenville and Town of Wawarsing hundreds of men, women and children will once again enjoy the merriment of the July 4 parade and the colorful bursts and booms of the evening's fireworks show.

The Fourth of July Parade will start at noon on Wednesday at the Ellenville High School and wind its way down Center and Canal Streets. Chris Benson, the chairman of the July 4 committee expects approximately 50 participants in this year's parade, including horses.

"Last minute additions to the parade are welcome," said Benson. "Feel free to call any time up until the fourth," he said.

Liberty Square will be full of vendors and concession stands will be set up around the areas that the parade follows. A crafts fair will be open to the public at 9 a.m. This year's firework's display will start at 9:30 p.m.

Benson and his wife Evonne, along with several other community members, have been working late into the night preparing for this year's parade following Jane Eck's resignation as the longtime July 4 chairperson.

"My drive for doing this are my children and all of the children in Ellenville," said Benson. "Imagine if one year the parade just stopped. We are all hoping for the best on the fourth," he said.

Included in this years marching band line up is: the Pine Bush Marching Band, Ellenville Drum Line, Middletown City Band, Pine Bush Community Band, Cole Glenn Pipe and Drum, Big Hollow Pipe and Drum, and Boy Scout Troop 236.

"I want to thank the community and local businesses who were instrumental in helping to fund this year's parade," said Benson.

The Fourth of July Committee would like to remind the community that congestion will be expected in the village during the day of the parade so please plan accordingly. The committee is also looking for more volunteers to help with the planning of the July 4 festivities.

"The more people we have to help the easier it will be to make this happen," said Benson.

Otherwise bring a lawn chair, your family, perhaps some lunch and enjoy this year's parade.

To join the parade call the Wawarsing Town Hall: 647-6570 ext. 6 or 647-7957, after 5 p.m. You can also email: bensonhousehold1@verizon.net for more information.

COMMENTS about this article (0)