From the Bel Air Independence Day Committee:
The Bel Air Independence Day Committee, the non-profit, all-volunteer institution that has organized, staged and managed the traditional July 4th celebration in the Town of Bel Air since the mid 1980s, announces the full list of activities for July 4, 2016.
The activities include a flag-raising and flag ceremonies in four locations, the traditional pancake breakfast, and family-oriented daytime competitive events, culminating with the annual parade down Main Street in the late afternoon and a fireworks display over Rockfield Park at night.
The day-long celebration, one of the largest in central Maryland, attracts attendees and participants from Harford County, as well as from surrounding counties, Pennsylvania and Delaware.
“We’re still doing a lot of planning, but the full day schedule is now pretty much complete,” says Don Stewart, president of the Committee. “We encourage everyone to visit our Web Site or Facebook page and start planning their day in Bel Air on Monday, July 4.”
Daytime events take place at Bel Air High School (flag-raising; pancake breakfast), Rockfield Park (horseshoe pitching), Shamrock Park (family-oriented competitive events), Bel Air Elementary School (bicycle rodeo), and the Hays House (tours and historical music).
The day of celebration concludes with a mile-long parade on Main Street, starting at 6 p.m., and a fireworks display over Rockfield Park, starting at approximately 9:30 p.m.
Significant this year is the addition of two NEW family-oriented competitive events in Shamrock Park. At 9 a.m. there will be WATER BALLOON TOSS competition, wherein pairs of contestants attempt to toss a filled balloon back and forth, moving farther apart each time. The pair that succeeds in tossing its balloon the farthest without breaking it wins!
After the Balloon Toss, at 9:30 a.m. there will be a COSTUME CONTEST, including both “patriotic/historical” and “fantasy/creative” categories.
“We’re still working on the details of these competitions,” says Stewart, “including how to best use the Bandshell Stage, and how to divide up the competitors into age-divisions and the like. But we’re sure that they will be tons of fun for people of all ages, and we’re expecting everyone from children to oldsters, pets, group entries and more.”
The Water Balloon Toss and the Costume Contest take the place of the former frog and turtle events, which will be prohibited by new updates to the State of Maryland Department of Natural Resources COMAR Regulations §§ 08.03.11.02 and .16. The updates were published in the Maryland Register on April 15, 2016, and will go into effect on June 20, 2016.
“Of course we will miss these events, which were a big part of our day for so long,” says Stewart. “But times change, and we have made many changes over the years. We think these new events will be just as much fun and may even attract more people.”
After the Shamrock Park Costume Contest come the traditional “Uncle Sam Says” and Watermelon Eating Competitions. “These have grown hugely in the past decade,” says Committee Vice-President Michael Blum, who has played “Uncle Sam” since 1991. “It used to be that I had to maneuver through about a dozen kids—now I have literally hundreds competing, some of whom are real ‘pros’ at the game.”
Meanwhile, at Rockfield Park, the annual Horseshoe Pitch Contest has also grown. “We’re now seeing competitors driving hours to get here,” says David Williams, who with Greg Cooper directs the event. “We have contestants from Virginia, Pennsylvania, Delaware and all over Maryland — what was once a quickly-over exhibition is now an all-morning top-quality highly skilled competitive event!”
Each year, The Bel Air Independence Day Committee chooses a patriotic or locally-significant theme for the day; this year’s theme is HONORING OUR HOME-TOWN HEROES. “We want our parade participants to really consider our theme in decorating their entries or creating their floats,” says Blum, who is also the Parade Chairman. “In fact, the judges rule on entries according to how well they illustrate the theme.”
“The theme is important, too, in unifying everything we do, and helping us recognize the true heroes who are all around us,” says Stewart. “We all know how important the contributions made by our local heroes—firefighters, police, municipal workers, rangers, guardians of the peace, and more. As events this year have already demonstrated, some of those who protect us sacrifice even their own lives in the service of the greater good. It makes us proud to be a part of this society, and we owe it to our local heroes to celebrate the commitment they make and recognize the dangers they face.”
Also new in 2016 is the first-ever OVERALL PARADE SPONSORSHIP by BGE, in honor of its 200th Anniversary. “We are pleased to present the Bel Air Independence Day Parade, brought to you by BGE,” says Blum. “This sponsorship allows us to bring a higher quality level of parade to the citizens of Bel Air and the spectators who line the streets.”
As in previous years, the Committee has selected a MISS BEL AIR INDEPENDENCE DAY to serve as the official hostess of the Fourth of July events. This year’s Miss Bel Air is Carrianne Cicero, a native of Street, who was chosen through an interview process. An accomplished vocalist, she will sing the National Anthem at the flag-raising at Bel Air High School and at flag ceremonies in Rockfield Park, Shamrock Park and Bel Air Elementary School. Besides helping out at the competitive events, Miss Bel Air will also lead the parade.
The day of celebration concludes with a mile-long parade on Main Street, starting at 6 p.m., and a fireworks display over Rockfield Park, starting at approximately 9:30 p.m. As it did last year, the parade will start at Idlewild Street and South Main, and proceed up Main Street to the Historical Society building at North Main and Gordon Street.
“This route worked very well both for staging, display and dispersal in 2015,” says Blum, “and we are pleased to repeat it this year.”
The parade will again feature bands, performers, floats, horses, antiques, mobile and marching units, fire engines, military representatives, cars, trucks and motorcycles, costumed characters and special acrobats, and more. “We’re still receiving applications and working on the details,” says Blum, “But I can promise a very special, very moving tribute to our Hometown Heroes this year.”
The reviewing stand will again be located at the County Office Building, where Don Morrison will narrate the parade, and from where various VIPs will salute the participants.
Individuals, churches and organizations interested in applying to be in the parade should visit the Committee’s web site and apply on-line.
For maps, details, application forms, schedules, and more, visit http://belairjuly4.org.
It’s a shame that law had to dictate what common sense should have. Frightening the crap out of wildlife so it runs away quickly, scared for its life and as entertainment is a hideous message for kids. Thank goodness it’s been ended.
Not torturing animals is always a good thing. The farm fair can get cancelled too, it’s as bad as zoos, aquariums, pet stores horserace and rodeos.
I like the farm fair. I can’t think of anything that can better prepare a young person for hard work than raising an animal and bringing it to market. Hardly anyone knows how to produce anymore — we’re almost all consumers.
Too bad the theme has to be about police. Can we stop worshipping cops already like their demigods walking on earth? They don’t sacrifice anything, they assume power and authority over us, and collect a paycheck for it.
There are three types of people in society. The bad guys, the police, and idiots like you. If not for the police you would be at the mercy of anyone who wanted to take anything for you and do anything to you.
Tell us it Mr. Internet toughguy, I bet you would be able to shoot all the criminals dead with your trusty red rider 200 shot air rifle.
Apologists for the police sound like my TV talking back to me. That’s not a coincidence.
And yeah, we’re already at the mercy of people who can do whatever they want to us: the cops! Most things police do would land anyone else in jail. Arrest is just semantics for kidnap.
Really, Jerry? If you think so little of our law enforcement, please do me a favor…put on a badge everyday and deal with the dregs of society. Think it’s an easy job? It’s a thankless, tiring job that puts your life at risk every single day.
Signed,
A leo wife. One who worries about their husband everyday while he “assumes his power” over the deadbeats of society.
Well, I’m glad the frog chasing contest is over,they just need to shit can the rest of this parade.
In all honesty, who the hell cares seeing the local politicians waving, the advertising of car dealerships, fire trucks non stop blowing that annoying ass grover horn?
If you don’t like it don’t come to the parade. It’s meant for kids not some grown adult who’s sitting in his mothers basement typing controversial comments at 1:54 am. Kids love the loud noises, people need a chance to see all aspects of our community including car dealerships and politicians. No one forces you to attend the parade. In fact please stay home in your mothers basement and play video games on the 4th!
Says the the guy typing up personal insulting rebuttle at 2:39am in his mother’s basement, as well.
Another scared of their own shadow overweight middled aged comservative voting white male always getting into other people’s business.
Hand on Bible and the other stroking the barrel of your firearm.
Stop it Soul. Did Lance strike a nerve?
Huh?
My soul?
Bud, I’m just a progrsssive/democrat living in North Harford.
Take a wild a guess who I’m voting for this election thats going to be next President? Hint: it’s not trump or Sanders.
Progressive Democrat??? What is that? Is that one of those guys that gives free stuff to dead beats and freeloaders? Is that one of those guys that keeps giving people free stuff and doesn’t expect them to do anything to repay the government for assistance. Wasn’t it that progressive democrat JFK that made the “ask not what your country can do for you ask what you can do for your country” speech. Lol. Show many Democrats that practice that one.
Why do Conservative Republicans bring up the “free loader” debate? There are no Republicans on welfare? No Republicans receiving an uncle Sam check of any kind for any reason?
You’re in Big Blue Maryland, and it’s only going to get more blue.
If you want walk around in public with a big gun on your hip and tell minorities “ya’ll don’t belong here” you sure best move go another state, because, it ain’t happening here.
Conservative values belong in the trash can.
Stop it Clown. Where did the minority and gun comments come from? I think you might be smoking crack that you bought from one of those progressive democrats that you idolize. You know one that is getting the free stuff they receive from the government and want to supplement their income selling drugs.
They came from my comments.
I’m not into illegal narcotics, I don’t even want doctor prescribed pain medicine. Speaking of that, I wouldnt be surprised to see this state to decriminalize CDS for recreational amounts in the next 10 years, but that’s after Marijuana is legalized, probably in the next 5.
Maryland our Maryland, my friend. Democratic justice.
Frog jumping and Turtle racing have been apart of this town for over 20 years. It’s a shame that a group of tree huggers come along and complain all the time and lobby the state to change its legislation.
Tree hugger? Fuck you.
Eastern Box Turtle is a threatened species primarily due to loss of habitat. In some areas of MD there are no longer any populations. If we as humans chose to bulldoze our forests and fields we must be vigilant in support of what wildlife remains or risk extinction. That is real and has nothing to do with hugging trees. For every one that thinks like you there are a dozen more who would prefer turtles be here and in wild places so their children can someday see them than look at what used to be and only in old photos.
Loss of habitat? Are you joking? It’s the wide spread use of pesticides and chemicals. Take a look at the local wheat fields right now , see those tire tracks in them? That’s the roundup they sprayed to “desiccate” the wheat for harvest. If you were a box turtle in a wheat field it’s a great habitat till they spray you with a carcinogen you have to crawl through for days to get away from it. I live on 16 acres of woods and wetland apply no chemicals or pesticides. By your account I should be up to my ears in turtles yet I rarely see them and it’s because the farmers fields that edge my property are constantly bombarded with everything from toxic cow sludge to atrazine.and nothing to do with a house they tore down by a golf course.
Loss of habitat….. LOL.
ahem….spraying fields with toxic chemicals the kill turtles (assuming your facts are correct) equals loss of habitat.
Well Myrtle the facts are clear, 70 years ago there was far more agriculture and less woodlands than there is today when the turtle population flourished. The difference is today farmers apply millions of tons of toxic chemicals to the environment that were never meant to be there.. Just look at the bay, it’s a polluted soup, filled with fish and crabs that are toxic to consume.
Do your research about the dangers to the animals before you make a ridiculous statement like that. Wow. #youjustmadeyourselflooklikeanidiot
The pussification of America continues.
I agree. Being able to stand behind a frog and make it to jump in a race is one of the things that made America the superpower that it is. The slippery slope…
People that think tree hugger is a pejorative make me laugh. Loving and embracing nature is an honor and sacred duty to those with integrity and concern for the environment. I would like to honor thee individuals I know ,who as part of the Susquhannock Wildlife Society, have advocated for an end to the abusive frog and turtle events at the parade for years. Brian Goodman, Melissa Goodman and Bob Chance have all been heros to me for as long as I have had the pleasure of knowing them. They have dedicated countless hours to protecting our native wildlife and habitat. We would all do well to emulate their concern and behavior.
Billy Jack: Thanks for a post that is positive, not insulting and demeaning. I too respect Chance, the Goodmans and many others for their work.