Capital comes alive on July 3
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Montpelier firefighters Nick Bresette, left, and Brian Farnham move into position via ladder truck to hang more bunting on City Hall in Montpelier Tuesday in preparation for the capital city’s Independence Day observances. STEFAN HARD/TIMES ARGUS |
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By SARAH HINCKLEY
TIMES ARGUS STAFF - Published: July 1, 2009
MONTPELIER – For the last 10 years, Diane Scolaro has been the one behind lining up the details of the July 3 celebration in the state's capital city, and this year is no exception.
Coordinating floats for the parade, gathering donations from area businesses and bringing musicians to the city for one of the year's biggest days of jubilation becomes a full-time job, in addition to Scolaro's work as the communications and development director of the Vermont Arts Council.
Usually in the countdown of the last couple of weeks, when the pieces are really coming together, Scolaro wonders why exactly she takes on such a large task.
"Then the day comes and the people come to town and it's beautiful and I'm glad I did it," said Scolaro on Tuesday, just two days before the 3rd. "The event is really open to all of downtown to create a celebration."
This year is no exception.
There is expected to be music and dancing in several areas of the city, including new venue The Lamb Abbey, located on Pioneer Street. Langdon Street is scheduled to be closed off at 3 p.m. for McGillicuddy's and Langdon Street Café's street parties. At the same time, the lot next to Julio's Cantina will also be closed at the same time for a street party. There will be live music at all of these locations and more throughout the city, including the Statehouse lawn.
A pancake breakfast beginning at 8 a.m. at Christ Episcopal Church is the kickoff event of the day, which includes a lawn party at the Kellogg-Hubbard Library (1 – 3 p.m.), family fun day at the pool (1:30 – 4 p.m.) and a show by No Strings Marionette on the Statehouse lawn (3 – 4 p.m.).
The traditional July 3rd parade is set to begin at 6 p.m. at the roundabout on Main Street, and fireworks will go off at 9:30 p.m. A portion of State Street, from Gov. Davis Avenue to Bailey Avenue, will be closed from 2:30 – 10 p.m.
This year, for the parade, an impromptu band of saxophonists and drummers is gathering to march and play.
Inspired by her visit to the inauguration celebration in January, Emily Lanxner put a shout out to the public for drum and sax players to join her float. Musicians and music enthusiasts from throughout the northern part of the state are on board to join the fun, according to Scolaro. A rehearsal for those joining Lanxner's group is scheduled for 1 p.m. at Union Elementary School on Park Avenue.
The 10th anniversary of the July 3rd celebration is expected to be as exciting, if not more, than the last nine years. Despite the economic strife, area businesses still generously donated time, products and money toward the annual celebration.
"In this economic crunch it's so amazing how many businesses feel this is important to support," said Scolaro. "That's what makes it all free, it's that kind of support. It's truly a community event."
For Scolaro, there is one detail of the day she can not control.
"We've got our fingers, eyes and toes crossed that the weather will cooperate," she said.
Contact Sarah Hinckley at sarah.hinckley@timesargus.com.
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