On Saturday, July 4, 2009, the 8th annual “Greencastle-Antrim July 4th Celebration” will be held at Tayamentasachta Environmental Center in the pavilion and walnut grove areas from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
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 three to 12 will gather in the all purpose building just east of the pavilion for about 45 minutes of activities. In celebration of Franklin County's 225th anniversary, Ben Franklin will talk to the children. Following that, Amy Gour will teach the children how to make a kite with a key. About noon, Russ Clever, as “grand marshal,” will lead the seventh 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 4th colors or “costumes.”
After the Children’s Parade, the Most Patriotic Family contest will be held. Families are invited to get into the July 4th 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 fourth annual July 4th 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 GA July 4th Celebration web page which can be accessed at www.greencastlemuseum.org. Each child will receive a bottle of bubble soap and several July 4th mementos will be given away. Next, will be the annual peanut and candy scramble, sponsored by the American Legion.
C. Greg Hoover will serve as the master of ceremonies. Live vocal and band music with a patriotic theme will be provided for everyone’s enjoyment. Many of the performers from the past seven years will be returning for this year’s event including Barry, Mandy, and Diana Stottlemyer, Ryan Eberly, Dave Reeder, and the Greencastle-Antrim Alumni Band. In addition to the entertainment lineup, we welcome for the first time the group Don't Look Down. Their repertoire of musical styles includes country, bluegrass, blues, and rock. In honor of the 200th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birthday, Charlie Try will read the Gettysburg Address at the conclusion of the program, followed by the finale God Bless the USA led by Dave Reeder and Barry Stottlemyer.
Christopher Lowell, one of Franklin County's official Ben Franklins, will be in attendance for the entire Greencastle-Antrim July 4th Celebration. About 11:50 a.m., he will address those gathered. About 12:30 p.m., Ben will be available to have his picture taken with those attending. Please bring your own camera.
In addition to celebrating July 4th, Greencastle-Antrim will also be celebrating the 225th anniversary of the establishment of Franklin County by welcoming Christopher Lowell, a living-history Ben Franklin. Franklin will be present for the entire celebration (11 a.m. - 2 p.m.) to mingle with the attendees, give a special presentation to the children during the craft time, speak at the microphone to those gathered, and pose for photographs.
Also 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 233nd 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, please call 597-9325 or visit the “Greencastle-Antrim July 4th Celebration” Web page at www.greencastlemuseum.org.