Greencastle-Antrim community to celebrate Independence Day

The ninth annual “Greencastle-Antrim July 4th Celebration” will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, July 5 at Tayamentasachta Environmental Center in the pavilion and walnut grove areas.

At 11 a.m., the invocation will be given followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and the singing of The National Anthem.  A flag-folding ceremony, conducted by members of Cub Scout Pack 95, will be part of the opening ceremonies.

 About 11:15 a.m., children ages 3 to 12 will gather in the all purpose building just east of the pavilion for about 30-45 minutes to make a craft. At noon, Russ Clever, as “grand marshal,” will lead the eighth annual Children’s Parade. The children will parade to patriotic marches in front of the staging area. All children are invited to participate by wearing their July Fourth colors or “costumes.”  

After the Children’s Parade, the Most Patriotic Family contest will be held.  Families are invited to get into the July Fourth spirit, use their imaginations, and be as creative as possible in order to win.  Cash awards will be presented to the winning families.  Registration for the Most Patriotic Family contest will be located at the pavilion.  No pre-registration is required for the children’s parade.  

Immediately following the Most Patriotic Family contest, the fifth annual July Fourth children's photograph will be taken in front of the bank-side barn doors.  A high-resolution copy of the photograph will be available to download by parents upon entering the G-A July Fourth Celebration web page which can be accessed at www.greencastlemuseum.org  Each child will receive a bottle of bubble soap and several July Fourth mementos will be given away.  Next, will be the annual peanut and candy scramble, sponsored by the American Legion.

The group “Wing and a Prayer” returns for everyone’s enjoyment to present live vocal and band music.  Many of the performers from the past eight years will be returning for this year’s event including Barry and Mandy Stottlemyer, Ryan Eberly, Dave Reeder, and the Greencastle-Antrim Alumni Band.  In addition to the entertainment lineup, we welcome Rachael and Justin Nowell.  The day’s events will conclude with the finale God Bless the USA led by Dave Reeder and Barry Stottlemyer.

 Beginning about 12:30, Thomas the Engine will be on the pavilion-area grounds to give rides to the young and young-at-heart.  Thomas the Engine is owned by the Greencastle Area Organized Youth Foundation, which owns the Jefferson Street train station. A donation box will be provided on the train.

All community members are invited to join the festivities by bringing lawn chairs or a blanket and having a picnic lunch that they’ve prepared. On a first-come-first-served basis, picnic tables will be available.  For those who do not wish to prepare lunch ahead of time, Shady Grove Cub Scout Pack 95 will have hamburgers, hot dogs, water, and soft drinks for sale.

 The organizing committee encourages the residents, merchants, and businesses in the Greencastle-Antrim area to decorate their homes and places of business in red, white, and blue and to fly the flag, as our nation celebrates its 234th anniversary of Independence Day.

 The event will be held rain or shine.  School district property is a non-alcoholic facility.  Donations will be accepted to cover overhead expenses.

For more information, call 597-9325 or visit the “Greencastle-Antrim July 4th Celebration” Web page at www.greencastlemuseum.org