By Khalida Sarwari
Revelers will have a chance to celebrate their country’s independence with a parade, popsicles and music at Kevin Moran Park on July 4.
Attendees are encouraged to come dressed in red, white and blue, and veterans are encouraged to wear their uniforms at Saratoga’s 12th annual Fourth of July event.
Mayor Emily Lo will kick off the festivities at 9:30 a.m. with an opening speech and then hand over the microphone to U.S. Army Master Sgt. David M. Kennedy.
During the program, the McCartysville Volunteer Band will play a medley of patriotic songs honoring members of the military, and a volunteer children’s choir will lead the audience in a series of songs.
An event highlight is sure to be a “Voices of Freedom” tableau that combines 25 costumed characters with quotes about freedom and music, and tells a brief history of the U.S. through the eyes of patriots from the country’s birth to the present.
Also, members of the Sons of the American Revolution, dressed in colorful costumes and portraying such famous American figures as Patrick Henry and George Washington, will ring a bell representing the Liberty Bell.
The event will conclude at 11 a.m. with a parade around the park led by the U.S. Army color guard while the McCartysville band performs. Everyone, including pets, is invited to participate in the parade.
At the end of the procession, flags and popsicles will be passed out to children.
Vice Mayor Howard Miller and Councilman Chuck Page will emcee the program.
For more information, visit saratogaJuly4.com or contact Okunos at 408.867.4577orsokuno@gmail.com.
