Join us in celebrating our independence while raising awareness and funds for seniors and area youth.  The REAS Foundation, in partnership with the Merchants of Sturbridge and the Sturbridge Recreation Committee, is planning an old fashioned Independence Day Celebration beginning with a Grand Parade starting at the Sturbridge Host Hotel and ending on the Town Common.

Music, food, festivities, and fun is the order of the day and we invite all residents in the region to join us. Non-profit organizations from throughout will be on hand to provided educational materials, raise awareness and generate support for their cause. The REAS Foundation will be conducting two raffles:

1) Plan ahead and take a chance at wining 150 gallons of oil.

2)  In partnership with Narragansett Lager Beer, the REAS Foundation will be raffling “Beer for a Year”, courtesy of Narragansett Brewing Company.

DATE: July 3rd, 2010, 2:00 – 10:00 PM

VENUE: Sturbridge Town Common with Parade originating at the Sturbridge Host Hotel and ending at the Town Common.

PURPOSE: Establish an annual community event/celebration that motivates residents, merchants, visitors, and tourists to identify our community as their primary destination for Independence Day activities.

EVENT COMPONENTS:

PARADE – originating at the Sturbridge Host Hotel and ending at the Town Common consisting of the following:

GRAND MARSHALL’S:

• Senator Steve Brewer
• Representative Todd Smola
• BOS Chairman Ted Goodwin
• Sturbridge Selectwoman Mary Blanchard
• Sturbridge Town Administrator Shaun Suhoski
• Tantasqua School Committee Chairman Kathy Neal
• Wales Selectman Mike Valanzola
• Southbridge Town Councilor Rich Logan
• Brimfield Selectman Stephen Fleshman
• Brimfield Selectman Tom Marino

Parade Mascot – Miss Piggy the Pot Bellied Pig
Police Escort
Fire Trucks from partnering communities
Ambulances
Tractors
Hay Ride Vehicles Chauffeuring

• Cub Scouts
• Brownies
• Little League Members
• Along with any children attending

Vintage Vehicles
Motorcycle Strike Force
Heavy Equipment Vehicles
Various Marching Contingents
Bag Pipe Contingent
Narragansett Promotional Team with the Gansett Girls

GRAND PICNIC BUFFET: Vendors (Rovezzi’s, Publick House, Annie’s Country Kitchen, BT’s Smokehouse) donating time and ALL proceeds to the following non-profit organizations: REAS Foundation, Tantasqua Music Association, TED Foundation, & local Recreational Activities

BBQ Ribs

Hamburgers
Hot Dogs
Boneless Chicken
Italian Sausage
Assorted Cold Salads
Corn on the Cob
Desserts
Grand Picnic Buffet Cost - Adults $10, Seniors $8, Children $5

MUSIC: Vocalists, Instrumentals, Bagpipers, Bluegrass by LIVESTOCK, DJ’s, & Jazz, Reggae, & Rock by JABOODA.

ENTERTAINMENT ACTIVITIES: Town Crier, Dance Presentations, Specialty Presentations by local groups, Bounce House, Hot Air Balloon – providing vertical ascents, Re-enactors, Firefighters, Pie Judging Contest, SPIN-ART FUN SPINNER, PITCHBURST Competition (see video below), Temporary Tattooing for children, Full Day gaming for families (i.e. sack/relay races, Dance-Offs, Ball Tosses, Ring Tosses, Hoola-Hoop Contests, etc.), Flags & Glo-necklaces will be distributed to youth attendees.

BONFIRE: A large Independence Day Ceremonial Bonfire - located behind the Publick House - will cap the day’s events, while transitioning the celebration into an evening of musical enjoyment.

NON-PROFIT AWARENESS BOOTHS: Area non-profits will be allowed to set up awareness booths for the purpose of information distribution and fundraising for their specific organization.

Financial Beneficiaries: ALL proceeds from the Grand Buffet will be donated to the following non-profit charities:

• REAS Foundation
• Tantasqua Music Association
• TED Foundation
• Sturbridge Recreational Activities