July in the Sky set for Tuesday in Vernon

Ben Crnic, Journal Inquirer, Manchester, Conn.
·3 min read

Jul. 11—VERNON — The town will hold the annual July in the Sky Celebration on Tuesday, with activities planned for both Downtown Rockville and Henry Park.

AT A GLANCE

WHAT: The annual July in the Sky celebration starting at 6 p.m. Tuesday.

WHERE: Both downtown Rockville and Henry Park. Admission to Downtown Rockville will be free, while admission to Henry Park will be $10 for cars and $2 for walkers.

Festivities in both locations are set to start at 6 p.m. and run until 10 p.m. Admission to Downtown Rockville activities will be free, while admission to Henry Park activities will be $10 for cars and $2 for walkers.

"July in the Sky is Vernon's premier summer event," Mayor Dan Champagne said, adding: "Whether you watch the fireworks from Henry Park or beautiful downtown Rockville, you are guaranteed a great time."

This year will mark the first time that the Downtown Rockville portion of the celebration is run by the Rockville Downtown Association. The town Parks and Recreation Department will still hold the Henry Park portion of the event.

"July in the Sky is a true community event and we look forward to working with the town and a team of volunteers to make this year's celebration in downtown Rockville successful and memorable," Rene' Lambert, president of the association, said.

The Downtown Rockville portion of the celebration will feature a Push, Pedal, and Pull Patriotic Parade, where participants are invited to decorate wagons, strollers, bicycles, and other non-motorized vehicles. The parade is planned to begin at 7 p.m. at the Courthouse Plaza parking lot at 20 East Main Street.

Other planned activities in Downtown Rockville include live music, food vendors, face painting, a rock-climbing wall, bounce houses, a foam machine, and an obstacle course, town officials said. Some activities may require the purchase of tickets, they added.

As for the Henry Park portion of the celebration, planned activities also include live music and food vendors, as well as a rendition of the national anthem.

In addition, there will be a Fun Zone, consisting of different attractions, including a racetrack, laser tag, mini golf, a bounce house, and a giant slide. Those who wish to participate must purchase an additional wristband for $15, town officials said.

There will also be face painting at Henry Park for an additional fee.

Fireworks are expected to start sometime after 9 p.m., Communications Specialist Dave Owens said. The exact start time depends on different conditions, such as weather and how dark it is.

"This is a great family event and all are welcome," Owens said today.

"There is no better place to gather to watch the fireworks than Downtown Rockville," Rockville Downtown Association chairwoman Jennifer Holt said.

"As great as the fireworks are, they are a culmination of a terrific evening of family-friendly activities that are guaranteed to delight people of all ages," Holt said.

Ben covers Vernon and Stafford for the Journal Inquirer.