The committee has met, bands have been invited, and enthusiasm is running high for this year’s Fourth of July Celebration!  The theme this year will be “An Old Fashioned Fourth.”

      The Fourth of July Committee is urging organizations, businesses, neighborhoods, families, and individuals to be part of the celebration by having a float or marchers in the parade.  The floats and marchers are what make the parade a uniquely Amherst celebration!   

      Floats can take many forms and are basically anything that expresses the theme of the parade.  Some ideas are traditional flatbed floats, decorated wagons or strollers, walking “floats” or even groups marching together in a way that reflects the parade theme.  All of these entries are entertaining for the spectators, fun for the float creators, and a way to contribute to the community.

      If making a float sounds interesting but a little bewildering, prospective participants can contact the committee float chairman, Jim Jansen (jjanson@gmail.com) who will be happy to answer any questions or help brainstorm ideas.

      Marching groups representing local organizations are also encouraged to join the parade even if they do not qualify as a float.  Groups wearing special organizational clothing or patriotic colors while carrying an identifying banner are a welcome addition and help to put the Amherst stamp on the parade.  

      We hope to see you all on the Fourth and can’t wait to see your creative rendition for our “Old Fashioned Fourth” theme!