After a hiatus of several years, the village of Guilford Center is proud to revive its Fourth of July tradition, coinciding with the 150th anniversary of the Broad Brook Grange, established in 1874. The community is invited to join in the festivities on Thursday, July 4, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm for a Community Picnic, reminiscent of early Grange gatherings and sponsored by the Broad Brook Grange.

The day kicks off at 11:00 am at the recently restored Guilford Center Meeting House, courtesy of the Guilford Historical Society which is collaborating on the event. Visitors can cool off with commemorative "church fans," explore a historic flag exhibit, and listen to a reading of the Declaration of Independence by two new Guilford residents who fled their homes to find liberty.

Barbara Fitch Haumann, President of the Broad Brook Grange, who grew up in Guilford, will extend a warm welcome and reflect on the Grange's enduring legacy. Guilford poet Verandah Porche will then present a poem for the occasion.

Following the gathering, participants will take a leisurely stroll — rather than a parade! —to the Broad Brook Community Center, led by accordionist Joan Peters. Along the way, attendees can stop at the Library, or enjoy games at the nearby Playscape organized by the Guilford Recreation Commission. The Guilford Free Library will also be distributing free popsicles, and will be offering childcare during the event. Independence Day coloring for kids

At the Community Center, a picnic tent will offer a comfortable spot for dining. You may bring your own picnic, or purchase BBQ lunch catered by The Guilford Country Store with a range of options, with grilled foods and salads, including cheeseburgers, footlong hot dogs, vegan burgers, corn on the cob and more (visit the Broad Brook Community Center website for full menu details). Nonprofit organizations, photo sessions with LifeSketch Photography, and music will add to the festive atmosphere outside, complemented by a traditional Grange bingo game inside -- with a difference for this occasion: Bingo cards will be FREE with small cash prizes! The Broad Brook Community Center board will serve strawberry shortcake with donations appreciated, and Friends of Algiers Village will hand you a piece of refreshing watermelon. Beverages also available. An exhibit showcasing 150 years of Grange history will be on display, with an additional opportunity upstairs to view the ongoing art show, "Our World in Words and Pictures," featuring Guilford poets and visual artists.

Rain or shine, the event will proceed as planned (with a big tent and our indoor spaces) with ample parking available at Springs Farm on Carpenter Hill Road. The Community Center parking lot will be reserved for those who need accessible parking. Limited spots also available at the Library, Museum, and Playscape. .

For more information about the Guilford Fourth of July Community Picnic, please visit:
https://www.broadbrookcommunitycenter.org/events/4th-of-july-in-guilford-center

Event Info

Jul 2, 2024, 4 to 5:30 PM

Jul 3, 2024, 10:30 to 11:15 AM

Jul 6, 2024, 1 to 4 PM