By Khalida Sarwari
It’s not Independence Day in Saratoga without tunes from the McCartysville Volunteer Band wafting through Kevin Moran Park, children running gleefully for popsicles and a parade to wrap it all up. All that and more is on tap at the city’s annual Fourth of July celebration this July 4.
The festivities kick off at 9:30 a.m. at 12415 Scully Ave. in Saratoga with an opening speech by Mayor Howard Miller who will serve as emcee for the remainder of the program, which is expected to conclude with a parade around the park at 11 a.m.
Led by members of the U.S. Army color guard, the procession will include people walking or on bicycles, dogs and wagons in tow decked in red, white and blue, and waving flags. Everyone who shows up to the event is invited to participate. At the end of the procession, popsicles and flags will be handed out to children.
“It’s not unusual to see all ages participating in the parade–people in wheelchairs, youngsters in decorated bikes and wagons, and even a few dogs dressed in fashionable outfits,” said Sarah Okuno, coordinator of this year’s event. Okuno has been planning and producing the event since 2009 after taking over from Jack Mallory who originated the celebration 13 years ago.
She and her family are also in the McCartysville Volunteer Band, which will play a medley of patriotic songs beginning at 9:30 a.m. during which they will honor members of the military. The band was named in honor of Martin McCarthy, a 19th century Irishman and an early settler in Saratoga, and is comprised of 35 to 60 brass/woodwinds and percussionists that perform once a year at the Fourth of July program.
A volunteer children’s choir will also lead the audience in a series of patriotic songs.
Dressed in colorful costumes and portraying famous American figures such as Patrick Henry and George Washington, members of the Sons of the American Revolution will ring a bell during a formal presentation that represent the Liberty Bell.
The highlight of the event, according to Saratoga Historical Foundation president Annette Stransky, is a “Voices of Freedom” tableau created by Saratoga Federated Church minister Bill Allison. Combining 25 costumed characters, quotes about freedom and music, Voices of Freedom is a brief presentation about the U.S. from its birth to the present.
Operation Care and Comfort, a nationally recognized program that supports troops, veterans and their families, will have a table for anyone that is interested in writing letters or making donations.
Attendees are encouraged to come dressed in their best red, white and blue outfits, and those who served in the military are encouraged to wear their uniforms.
Chairs and shade will be provided, according to Stransky.
Musicians that are interested in playing in the McCartysville Volunteer Band are encouraged to visit saratogaJuly4.com or villageband.com for more information. Advanced middle-school level or better musicians are preferred. For more information about the event, visitsaratogaJuly4.com.
Link: The Fourth of July is much more than just a date … it’s a day to celebrate our independence
