One Flag-One Nation; Pittsville to host two-day celebration
By Marv Kohlbeck
PITTSVILLE – In its 59th consecutive year, the Pittsville American Legion and Pittsville Lions Club will be hosting the Fourth of July weekend celebration with activities July 3-4.
On July 3, registration for the “Heart and Sole Road Race” begins at 5:30 p.m. For kids 10 years old and younger, there is no registration or fee. The kids quarter mile race begins at 6:15 p.m., with the adults competition beginning at 7 p.m. This portion of weekend activities is sponsored by the Pittsville Fire Department and EMS.
The carnival rides will be operating July 3 from 4-11 p.m. with a “wristband special price.” Food booths and refreshment stands will be available throughout the evening and live music will be provided by the band, “Rising Phoenix” from 7:30-11 p.m. in Riverside Park.
On July 4, festivities start with the annual Kiddie Parade at 11:30 a.m., immediately before and on the same route as the larger parade. Prizes are awarded to winning floats.
The larger parade starts at noon and cash prizes are also paid to winners in the commercial and organizational divisions. Winners will be selected from entries that depict thoughts of the parade theme, “One Flag-One Nation.” Parade viewers will be treated to two new attractions – a stilt walker and a Mariachi Band which will be playing a Mexican flavored style of music. There will be brats and soda available at several sites along the parade route.
Prior and during the parade the Pittsville Community Library committee will be selling stickers for the “road apple” contest. Cash awards for the “direct hits” will be awarded after the parade.
Following the parade, activities continue at Riverside Park. Bingo will be played 2-9 p.m. Food, refreshment booths and carnival rides will be available from 1:30-11 p.m. Music, from 1:30 to 5 p.m., will be provided by Tuck Pence.
Evening activities include live music provided by the band, “Genesee Depot” from 6:30-10 p.m. Carnival rides and the midway attractions along with food and refreshment stands will be available during that time.
A large fireworks display will conclude the night’s activities at dusk, about 9:45 p.m.