SIMSBURY, CT — The Simsbury 250 Celebration Committee is inviting residents from across the Farmington Valley to Downtown Simsbury on Saturday, July 11, for a community parade and afternoon celebration marking the nation's 250th anniversary.
The Simsbury–Farmington Valley 250th Parade and Celebration will begin at noon and continue with family-friendly activities through 3 p.m.
The parade will step off at the intersection of Owens Brook Boulevard and Hopmeadow Street, traveling south through Simsbury Center to Jim Gallagher Way, where it will turn left before returning to Iron Horse Boulevard.
Participants will include the Governor's First Horse Guard, Windsor Fife and Drum Corps, Warehouse Point Fife and Drum Corps, Talcott Mountain Highlanders, civic organizations, and military color guards.
Local organizations will also present patriotic red, white and blue-themed floats, including entries from the Abigail Phelps Chapter NSDAR, Avon VFW and Scouts, Freemason Valley Lodge No. 36, Simsbury American Legion Post 84, Simsbury VFW Post 1926, the Simsbury Board of Selectmen, the Simsbury Fire Department and other community groups.
Sponsors of the float program include Garrity Asphalt Reclaiming, Holloways Appliance Center, Northwest Community Bank, the Simsbury Cemetery Association, and the Simsbury-Granby Rotary Club.
Following the parade, festivities will continue from 1 to 3 p.m. along Iron Horse Boulevard and at the Simsbury Historical Society.
Parade floats will remain on display along the northbound lane of Iron Horse Boulevard, where attendees can vote for the most creative float and the float that best represents the patriotic theme.
Additional activities include live band performances, float judging, food trucks, and a live auction of hand-painted flower boxes benefiting the celebration.
Organizers say the event is designed to bring together residents from across the Farmington Valley to commemorate America's semiquincentennial with music, history and community spirit.
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