What better way to celebrate Independence Day with no work and the third annual Moorestown Fourth of July Parade?
While most Moorestonians might be starting to plan their summer vacations, Moorestown’s Fourth of July Parade Committee began event planning in January.
Dave Schill, chair of Moorestown Fourth of July Parade, said for the past three years the theme of the parade has been different. The first year’s theme was “1776” and last year’s was “The Liberty Bell.”
This year’s theme is “Made in America.”
Schill said participants create floats and costumes that best represent the theme. He said he hopes within the next few years, the parade would end at Memorial Field for an extended Fourth of July celebration.
“But that’s way down the road,” he said, adding it is one of the committee’s goals to add more Moorestown tradition to the parade.
“In order to have a tradition, you have to start one. But you have to keep it going,” Schill said.
This year’s tradition, surrounded by the “Made in America” theme, will include the Polish-American String Band and Civil War Band, classic cars, antique fire trucks and many floats. Community organizations such as STEM, the Garden Club, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts and more will march in the parade.
Veterans are an important part of the parade. They will join the march down Main Street.
Schill, a Naval veteran of the Vietnam War, said it’s important to honor and thank the men and women who serve in the military.
“After serving in wars to protect our freedom, why are we not celebrating our freedom?” Schill asked, adding the committee is looking for more veterans to march in the parade.
He said the project is community funded and no tax dollars go into the event. The committee hopes to raise another $5,000 to hit the $10,000 goal for the parade.
There are four donation levels. A donation of $17.76 would reach the “red” level, $177.76 would reach the “white” level and $1,776 would reach the “blue” level.
There is also an “other” level for any donation amount.
Moorestown Running Company will host a “Freedom Run” to begin the parade. Schill said this is the first year the run is taking place.
Parents are also encouraged to enter their children into the parade with decorated wagons, bikes and scooters.
For more information or to make a donation, visit www.moorestown4thjuly.org/home. Checks can also be made payable to The Moorestown Fourth of July Committee and mailed to c/o H. Koons, Treasurer, 132 Harding Ave., Moorestown, 08057.
