The Mad River Valley Rotary, this year’s producer of the 76th annual Warren Fourth of July Parade, is tying up the loose ends of the annual event. This year’s theme is “Stand Up for Democracy!” Floats and marchers show up at South Main Street, below Covered Bridge Road no later than 9 a.m. on the morning of the Fourth of July. Enter from South Main Street, south of Lincoln Gap Road.
Organizers point out that while delivery trucks can pass under the one low-hanging wire over the street by the judges' gazebo, floats should not be too tall to pass or duck underneath.
If giving out candy or other items from a float, organizers ask that those folks have people walking beside the float to toss the items to the crowd. Organizers do not want children rushing into the parade path in hopes of snagging candy from the street.
Restroom facilities and local food will be available in both Warren Village and Brooks Field at Warren School. While the village will be a “no alcohol” zone, there will be a designated beer garden at Brooks Field sponsored by Toast & Eggs.
Melody Showacre of KidVentures will be leading the games for kids of all ages at Brooks Field, following the parade. Live music at Brooks Field features Phineas Gage. Following the parade, Jewel House and friends will rock Main Street with dance music from the porch of The Warren Store.
Offsite parking is free at Sugarbush Lincoln Peak, with buses departing continuously beginning at 8 a.m. from the ski area’s parking lot to Warren Village and back. Buses will run until 4 p.m.
Donations will be taken at the gates to town support the event. Make a donation and receive a Buddy Badge, then look for the matching number in the crowds. If found, take that badge buddy and head for the gazebo in the center of town to claim a pair of matching prizes while they last. Prizes totaling nearly $5,000 have been donated by Mad River Valley merchants and supporters. The Mad River Valley Rotary will also be selling official parade T-shirts at each entrance and at Brooks Field.
Main Street in Warren Village closes from the Route 100 north entrance to Fuller Hill Road at 8:30 a.m. sharp, as does Brook Road, from School Road to Main Street. There is access to parking along the perimeter of Brooks Field when approaching from East Warren Road. Revelers are asked to obey the No Parking signs. People can walk to the village via the short path behind Warren School.
For more information, see WWW.Warren4thofJuly.com or email
