Participants are needed for the Bel Air Independence Day parade; the deadline to apply is June 20
Jun. 15—Bel Air's traditional Independence Day activities, including family activities in Shamrock Park, the downtown parade and fireworks show, are coming back this summer after being canceled in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Anyone interested in participating in the parade along Main Street has until Sunday, June 20 to apply. Operators of classic vehicles, floats, marching units, performance groups and other organizations are encouraged to file an application, according to a news release from the Bel Air Independence Day Committee.
"Probably due to lingering pandemic concerns, people are cautious, but in our staging and deployment, we are instituting pretty thorough COVID-19 protocols to help keep everyone happy, safe and celebrating the birthday of our country," Michael Blum, parade chair and committee vice president, stated.
"So, car clubs, marching units, Scout troops — anyone now back in the public flow of things, ought to consider applying to be in our July 4 celebration."
The parade theme will be "Honoring Our Healthcare Heroes." Anyone who wants to participate, or volunteer as a parade marshal, should visit the Independence Day Committee's website to apply and read the parade rules. People also can call 410-879-4245 with any questions.
Independence Day events, starting with a 6:45 a.m. flag raising at Bel Air High School with representatives of American Legion Posts 39 and 55 and Disabled American Veterans Chapter 30, are scheduled for Sunday, July 4.
The traditional pancakes and sausage breakfast, which has been held in the Bel Air High School cafeteria in recent years, will not happen in 2021, but many other activities that typically take place in Bel Air on July 4, will.
They include horseshoe pitching in Rockfield Park, a water-balloon toss, Uncle Sam Says and a watermelon-eating contest in Shamrock Park, a bike rodeo in the Hickory parking lot across from the Bel Air Library, and the parade up Main Street, scheduled to start at 6 p.m.
The day's events will conclude with the launching of fireworks from Rockfield Park around 9:30 p.m., and they can be seen from multiple spots around the Town of Bel Air. A full schedule of events is available on the Independence Day Committee website.
Darlington parade and fireworks
The Darlington Lions Club also recently announced that their Independence Day parade and celebration is set for next Saturday, June 26, starting at 5:30 p.m.
Parade winners will be announced and a Darlington American Idol Contest with cash prize will be held at the conclusion of the parade at Francis Silver Park on Shuresville Road, followed by fireworks after dusk.
Anyone interested in regsitering for the parade should call 410-836-3506 or email darlingtonparade@aol.com.
