Sights and Sounds of Summer: 19th Annual Independence Day Parade is Local Highlight

Yes, summer is finally on its way. The Columbia Association’s outdoor pools opened Memorial Day weekend. River Hill’s neighborhood swim teams, the Pheasant Ridge Rapids and Pointers Run Piranhas, begin practices this month. County schools will soon be out, summer festivals are starting up and planning for the River Hill Community Association’s 19th Annual Independence Day Parade is in full gear!

As always, this year’s parade will be held on July 4 beginning at 9 a.m. The parade stages in the parking lots at Pointers Run Elementary and Clarksville Middle Schools, travels the length of Great Star Drive, and ends at Signal Bell Lane at the 5th District Fire Station. It is not unusual to see chairs set up along the route early in the morning in anticipation of this community tradition. There are many great things about River Hill’s Independence Day Parade. The kids might say it’s the candy and trinkets or the opportunity to ride a float or march with their friends. Of course, who can forget the Lawn Chair Marching Dads and the blasting sirens of the fire trucks. The presence of our elected officials and veterans of our nation’s wars honor our democracy and remind us of the sacrifices made on its behalf. We can all agree that each Independence Day our diverse community is fortunate to have the opportunity to think about what it means to be an American and to celebrate our freedom.

So, join in the fun. Come up with a plan for a parade entry, dig out those lawn chairs, hoist the American flag, and find your red, white, and blue. The River Hill Community Association needs your help to celebrate Independence Day as founding father John Adams envisioned in 1776, with “pomp and parade”! Click for the Parade Registration Form. Please call 410-531-1749 or email events@villageofriverhill.org for more information.