Independence Day Comes A Day Early In Chatham

"One of the highlights of Chatham’s summer, the 4th of July parade is being held a day early because July 4 falls on Sunday, and the morning event would conflict with local church schedules. Officials said it was decided not to hold the parade on Monday, the last day of a long weekend, because many people may have to leave early and would miss the festivities."

"The parade is just one of many events that will be happening over the course of the long weekend, beginning with Friday night’s first Chatham Band concert of the year at 8 p.m. at Kate Gould Park. But the parade is the centerpiece of the weekend, an event that attracts as many as 20,000 people to downtown Chatham. Crowds will line the roadside from the parade’s beginning point at the corner of Main Street and Shore Road all the way to its terminus. This year, the parade will extend all the way to the intersection of Main Street and Crowell Road."

“The weather report looks excellent,” Chatham Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Lisa Franz said. “I think it’s going to be a great long weekend. Bookings are strong, from talking with lodging people. Everyone’s optimistic.”

Chatham Chronicle