Here’s what’s happening - or not - for the Fourth of July
Many July Fourth events, including parades, fireworks and community activities, have been cancelled, or not planned at all, due to the coronavirus pandemic, in the following Delaware County boroughs and townships: Aldan, Aston, Bethel, Brookhaven, Chadds Ford, Chester City, Chester Heights, Chester Township, Clifton Heights, Collingdale, Colwyn, Concord, Darby Borough, Darby Township, Eddystone, Edgmont, Glenolden, Haverford, Lansdowne, Marcus Hook, Media, Middletown, Millbourne, Morton, Parkside, Prospect Park, Radnor, Ridley Township, Rose Valley, Sharon Hill, Thornbury, Tinicum, Trainer and Upper Chichester.
East Lansdowne
East Lansdowne Borough will hold its 105th Independence Day Parade celebration Saturday, July 4, at East Lansdowne Memorial Park, located on the corner of Penn Boulevard and Emerson Avenue. Everyone must practice social distancing to participate. Masks are also encouraged.
The raising of the flag and singing of the National Anthem will begin at 11:30 a.m., followed by a few comments from Mayor John Dukes. The parade will begin at 12 p.m. and will feature Mr. Fig ‘n the Rustics Mummers Band and The Keni Jackson Experience Soul Band.
The community is invited to participate in the parade if they wish to ride a decorated bike or an antique car, or wish to put together a patriotic float.
Folcroft
A family scavenger hunt for borough residents will kick off Independence Day activities in Folcroft for borough residents at 9 a.m. Saturday, July 4. Afterwards, Folcroft will host a July Fourth Drive-by Barbecue exclusively for borough residents 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Residents can drive through the parking lot across from Borough Hall, 1555 Elmwood Ave., and grab a togo barbecue meal. Everyone must bring a proof of residency.
Folcroft also is holding a Patriotic Home Decorating Contest. Residents of Folcroft can enter by taking a picture of the front of their home or yard and posting it on the borough’s Facebook page. The post must include the street name where the house is located. First, second and third place prizes will be awarded. Pictures for the “Most Patriotic” photo and best decorated yard/ house must be entered by 12:30 p.m. to be eligible.
For more information on all of these events, check out the Folcroft Borough Facebook page.
Marple Newtown
The Marple Newtown 4th of July Parade Committee wants members of the local community to celebrate in place this Fourth of July by participating in the “Red, White, & You!” decorating contest.
The Decorating Contest is open to all residents, businesses, and organizations in Marple and Newtown townships. Displays may be of any means that reflect the colors, spirit, themes, and patriotism of the Independence Day holiday.
All contestant addresses and entry names will be listed on a community map, website, and social media pages so that residents may view the decorations. All entries will be judged this week. The winners will be announced by noon on July 4. More information and registration can found at www.marplenewtownparade.com.
The committee’s decision to celebrate in place was made after the cancelling of the annual Marple Newtown 4th of July Parade due to the uncertainty of COVID-19.
Norwood
Although the Norwood Borough parade, fireworks and community activities have been cancelled due to the pandemic, the borough will raise the flag and fire the cannon next to Norwood Fire Co., 26 W. Winona Ave., at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 4, to mark America’s birthday. On the Norwood Fourth of July Association’s Facebook page, a post reads that the fireworks are currently rescheduled for Oct. 17. However, residents are instructed to check back on the Facebook page in the fall for more up-to-date information.
Ridley Park
Ridley Park Borough cancelled its annual 4th of July parade, games and fireworks. Instead, to keep the Independence Day spirit in the borough, residents were invited to participate in a house patriotic decorating contest. The winning home received a basket of goods from businesses in the Ridley Park Business District, along with bragging rights.
Although all entries had to be in for judging by July 2, all residents are encouraged to take the time to walk or drive through the borough over the Fourth of July weekend to enjoy viewing the uniquely decorated patriotic homes.
Rutledge
Rutledge Borough will celebrate the July Fourth holiday on Saturday with a different flair this year to keep all residents safe. The borough will host a “Most Patriotic House and Yard” contest for Rutledge residents. Judges will walk through the neighborhood from 9-11 a.m. July 4 to vote for the best decorated homes and yards. Prices include a $75 gift certificate to Swarthmore Hardware Store for the first place winner, a $50 gift certificate to Swarthmore Hardware Store for second place, and a $25 gift certificate to Swarthmore Hardware for third place.
A kids contest for the Best Sidewalk/Driveway Chalk Decorations, as well as a contest for Best Patriotic Banner, will also be judged. First place winner of each contest will receive a $15 gift certificate to Kandy Kids Toys & Gifts in Swarthmore, second place will receive a $10 gift certificate to Kandy Kids and third place will get a $5 gift certificate to Kandy Kids.
At 11:30 a.m. an awards ceremony will take place at Rutledge Borough Hall, and will include the singing of the Star Spangled Banner, the awarding of prizes, and a speech by Mayor Kevin Cunningham.
From 1:30 -3 p.m. Saturday, residents are invited to join their neighbors in their own front yard for a BBQ. The borough truck will drive throughout Rutledge, handing out raffle tickets and complimentary water ice. Residents can win a raffle for a $50 gift certificate to Hometown Hari Shoppe. The winner will be posted on the Borough’s bulletin board and its Facebook page.
Springfield
Because of the limitations resulting from the coronavirus there will not be a Fourth of July parade in Springfield on Saturday, July 4.
Every year, the names of volunteers who have performed exemplary service as a member of a Springfield community service organization for ten or more years, are engraved on a bronze plaque and placed on the Springfield Volunteer Memorial wall. This ceremony will not take place until next year when the traditional annual ceremony will be reinstituted. However, a bronze plaque with the following inscription will
be placed on the Memorial Wall: “Due to the Coronavirus / COVID-19 Pandemic of 2020, this Annual Plaque is dedicated to the many Health Care Workers, First Responders, Essential Workers, and Volunteers who helped to ensure the welfare of our community.” The Memorial Wall is located at Springfield Volunteer Memorial Field, at the southwest corner of Saxer Avenue and Powell Road, across the street from the Springfield Fire Co.
Only the members of the board of directors of the Springfield Volunteer Memorial Fund, Inc. will be present for the dedication ceremony which will take place at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 4. The following are the names of the directors and their organization: David McHenry, Ambulance Corps; Joanne Gutzler, Athletic Association; John Gallagher, Vice President, Fire Co.; Thomas Citro, Lions Club; Dominic Bentivegna, Springfield School District; Stanley Johnson, Springfield School District Emeritus; Robert Sinkinson, President, Township of Springfield; Karen Mills, Secretary, G.F.W.C. Junior Woman’s
Club; Rob Simpson, Youth Club; Arthur Gutzler, American Legion Post #227; and David Krauter, Treasurer.
This is the twenty- fifth anniversary of the establishment of the Springfield Volunteer Memorial Fund, Inc. In 1996, a group of local volunteers organized this nonprofit, 501c3, organization to promote community service in Springfield through the recognition of exemplary volunteer service. Contributions may be mailed to the Springfield Volunteer Memorial Fund, Inc., c/o 217 Saxer Avenue, Springfield, PA 19064.
Swarthmore
Although Swarthmore Borough will not hold any public Independence Day celebrations, the Swarthmore Fire Co. will celebrate America’s birthday with a small fire truck parade. Beginning 10 a.m. Saturday, July 4, a parade of fire trucks will go down every single street in the borough.
Upland
The Upland Community Affairs Committee will distribute free lunches on July 4 for borough residents who signed up in advance. Since there can be none of the usual Independence Day festivities this year due to the pandemic, the borough is planning a drive-in movie night for Upland residents only on Saturday, July 18 at the Reese Center Armory on 24th Street.
The movie “Wonder Park,” rated PG,will be shown on a 31-foot screen. Advance sign-up is required due to limited space. The form can be found at https://www.uplandboro. org/…/vyhlif5…/f/events/ movie_1_1.pdf. The Upland Fire Company #1 will be selling refreshments at the free family event. Gates will open 7:30 p.m. and the film screening is expected to begin at dusk, approximately 8:30 p.m. The rain date is July 25. For more information, e-mail mcrawford@uplandboro.org.
Upper Darby
With no fireworks, concert and other Independence Day activities planned in Upper Darby this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, residents are invited to celebrate our country’s birth by participating in a Fourth of July Car Parade. The parade is hosted by Upper Darby Council, the Highland Park Fire Co. and the Highland Park Kirklyn Civic Association.
Vehicles can line up in the front parking lot of St. Laurence Church, 8245 West Chester Pike, at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, July 4. Prizes will be awarded for the best decorated car or truck.