Pittsville Legion, Lions Club mark 60 years of patriotism and freedom

By Marv Kohlbeck

PITTSVILLE – For the 60th consecutive year, the Pittsville American Legion and Pittsville Lions Club will present their Fourth of July two-day celebration in Pittsville.

The celebration will be built around the parade theme, “60 Years Celebrating Patriotism and Freedom.”

On July 3, adult registration for the  36th annual  “Heart and Sole Race” begins at 5:30 p.m. For kids 10 years old and younger there is no registration and no fee. The Kids Quarter Mile race is at 6:15 p.m., with the adults competition starting at 7 p.m. For more information, visit pittsvilleheartandsole.com.

The carnival of rides and gaming events will run on July 3, 4-11 p.m. Food booths and refreshment stands will be available and live music will be provided by the band, “Rising Phoenix,” 7:30-11:30 p.m. in Riverside Park.

On Monday, the Fourth of July, festivities start with the annual Kiddie Parade at 11:30 a.m., immediately before and on the same route as the larger parade, which kicks off when the noon whistle blows.

Kids too, need to keep the parade theme in mind when they decorate their bike or wagon to compete in the kiddie parade. The kiddie parade starts at St. John’s Lutheran Church parking lot and ends at the Pittsville Family Dental office. The kiddie parade is hosted by the Pittsville American Legion Auxiliary and the Pittsville Volunteer Fire Department.

During the parade the Community Library committee will take part in their annual fund raiser by selling “Road Apple” sticker tickets.

Following the parade, activities continue at Riverside Park.  Bingo will be played 2-9 p.m. and food booths, refreshment stands and carnival rides will be available throughout the day and evening. Music from 1:30 to 5 p.m. will be provided by “Tuck Pence.”
Evening activities include the music provided by the “Genesee Depot Band” from 6:30-10 p.m. Food and refreshment stands, along with carnival rides and activities will be available until 10 p.m.
A fireworks display is tentatively scheduled to begin about 9:45 p.m. to top off the celebration.