Welcome to our 129th Celebration
WELCOME TO OUR 129TH ANNUAL
INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION
Today’s events are planned, directed, and financed mainly by the
efforts of the all-volunteer Takoma Park Independence Day Committee,
with the cooperation of the Departments of the City of Takoma Park and
the Mayor and Council.
TPIDC is a small group of volunteers who work hundreds of
hours each year to make the celebration a success. While a City grant
covers about forty percent of the total cost of today’s celebration,
TPIDC raises the remainder mainly by soliciting donations from local
businesses, churches, civic and service organizations, and individuals
like you. We also raise funds by selling raffle tickets
and leasing vendor spaces.
Your financial support and volunteer help are
greatly appreciated. You can make a donation through
PayPal® at
TakomaPark4th.org, or by check mailed to the Committee at 149 Ritchie Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20910.
Sign up for our email list to receive updates on next year's parade planning.
If you would like to volunteer to help with next year’s celebration, contact us or (240) 863-8837.
Please Contribute to
Takoma Park Independence Day Activities Through PayPal.
Wednesday, July 4, 2018
TAKOMA PARK, MARYLAND
INDEPENDENCE DAY
CELEBRATION
"A City of Dreamers"
Dreamers have played an important role in shaping Takoma Park into the progressive, diverse community we love today. Starting with B F Gilbert’s vision of a healthy resort town in the forest outside of Washington, DC, farsighted dreamers shaped us into the unique community that is admired around the world. Yesterday’s dreamers led us:
- to implement one of the Nation’s first recycling programs,
- to take a stand against the dangers of nuclear technology,
- to insure we have quality schools,
- to protect our environment,
- to expand the vote to all residents ages 16 and above,
- to implement rent controls so anyone can live here and
- to make us a more sustainable community.
The 2018 Independence Day celebration calls on today’s dreamers to share their vision for Takoma Park’s future. Register your entry in this year’s annual parade and help lead us into tomorrow.
Leading the way is this year’s Grand Marshal, the City’s new Police
Chief Antonio “Tony” DeVaul, who dreams of changes to guide policing
to higher levels through the 21st century. Chief DeVaul grew up in
Takoma Park and is a lifelong Montgomery County resident. Dedicated to
community policing, he is committed to increasing transparency between
the police department and city residents, and building strong
relationships with local community members and institutions.
ORDER OF EVENTS
- PARADE -
| 9:00 am |
Assembly of Parade Units
Streets close around Assembly Area and Parade Route.
|
| 10:00 am | Parade will begin at the intersection of Carroll and Ethan Allen Avenues, travel South on Carroll Avenue, turn right on Maple Avenue, and continue to Ritchie Avenue where it will disband. Parade units will be judged throughout the line of march rather than at the reviewing stand. Click the Parade button above for more information. |
- EVENING PROGRAM -
| 7:00 pm |
Takoma Park Middle School
7611 Piney Branch Rd
Master of Ceremonies: Jared Garelick
Elena & Los Fulanos (bilingual folk-rock band)
AcroAirs from Washington Adventist University
Takoma Park Community Band conducted by Marcia Diehl
Announcement of Parade Winners
Welcome from Mayor Kate Stewart
Drawing of Raffle Prizes
Patriotic Medley and National Anthem Vocals by Larry Baizer
|
| 9:30 pm (approx.) |
Fireworks by Bay Fireworks
(rain date - first clear evening)
|