On behalf of the Town of Castleton Selectboard and the 4th of July Committee, I want to extend an invitation to attend Town-sponsored Independence Day activities on July 3, 2022. The celebration of our Independence starts with a parade on Main Street at 10AM followed by an afterparty on the Castleton Free Library lawn co-hosted by the Castleton Free Library and the Castleton Bridge Initiative, where there will be music and activities. In the evening, a DJ will spin some vinyl at Crystal Beach from 7-9PM and fireworks will immediately follow (at dusk). If you want a secure your own piece of turf at Crystal Beach to watch the fireworks, it is suggested you arrive a couple of hours early. The snack shack at Crystal Beach, better known as "Crystal's Beach Treats," will be open and selling hot dogs, snow cones, chips, candy, soda, water and Gatorade. Just a reminder, glass containers are not allowed at the beach, so if you are bringing in beverages, please do not bring in glass. Additionally, Castleton First Response will be setting up an Aid Station near the southern pavilion should anyone need medical assistance or possibly you want to know more about becoming a member and serving the community as an Emergency Medical Responder (EMR), Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), or Paramedic.

I cannot thank the volunteers on the 4th of July Committee enough for their support and efforts. It would not happen without volunteers. If you are interested in serving on the 4th of July Committee to help plan Independence Day 2023, contact the Town Office, and talk with Town Manager Michael Jones or Karen Stewart. The intent of the committee is to begin planning for next year sometime in October or November.

The United States of America, by contrast to many (most) nations around the world, was born because its founders believed in a series of principles and ideas. Having escaped religious persecution in Europe, the first non-native Americans were firm defenders of several things including: liberty, freedom and opportunity. So, why do we celebrate our independence on July 4th? Well, according to U.S. history, it is an annual celebration of nationhood. It commemorates the passage of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress in July 1776. On July 2nd, 1776, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence from Great Britain, and two days later delegates from the 13 colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence, a historic document drafted by Thomas Jefferson. From 1776 to the present day, July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American independence, with festivities ranging from fireworks, parades, and concerts to more casual family gatherings and barbecues.

We wish everyone a Happy Independence Day! Please enjoy the day with family and friends but be safe and use the utmost discretion before drinking and driving/boating. Always use sunscreen and hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!!!