Star Band prepares for annual July 4 parade

BARKHAMSTED » Marching band musicians are needed to march in the Independence Day Parade in Barkhamsted on Tuesday, July 4.

Musicians of all ages are welcome, regardless of playing experience, from elementary school to senior citizens, and are welcome to be in one of the only Independence Day Parades in our area.

The Star Band uniform is blue jeans; white or red shirts. Music is provided Musicians provide their own instrument and music lyre

Parade forms* Tuesday, July 4 on West River Road in the Pleasant Valley Section of town at 10:00 a.m. and steps off at 10:30, marching to Barkhamsted Elem. School for Ceremonies

Due to parking pestrictions, participants will need to either be dropped off where the Parade forms, or park at the Barkhamsted Elementary School and walk down West River Road to where the parade starts.

Rehearsal will be held Monday, July 3, 6-7 p.m. at Barkhamsted Elementary School, Route 318, Ripley Hill Rd. – rain or shine. For more info, call Willard Minton at 860-379-315, or email mintonpattywill@gmail.com

Plans under way for Main Street Marketplace

TORRINGTON » Main Street Marketplace will run five consecutive Thursdays from 5-9 p.m., July 6 to Aug. 3.

The Marketplace Express trackless train will be returning this season. The ride costs $2 and will take riders on a round trip through the marketplace. The dice roll is also back this year. Peter Callahan, from Fresh Perspectives, will once again man the dice table. This year, the dice roll will be each night from 6-8pm. This season, if the dice roll spells RE-F-U-N-D, the winner will receive $5,000 in cash.

“Well, they will actually receive a check,” said Kris Roberts, president of Main Street Torrington and the owner of The Roberts Tax Group, which is sponsoring the dice roll. “We thought ‘REFUND’ would be fun considering we are an accounting firm specializing in taxation” said Roberts.

Similar to last season, MSMP will have a Grand Marshal, weekly themes, vendors and entertainment. Some of the highlights for 2017 include:

July 6: Salute to Armed Forces: Grand Marshal will be Dan Thurston, from AMVETS. Screamin’ Eagle Band will perform with their unique southern rock style. Dan White’s popular eagle sculptures will also be on display. The grand marshal parade will include various military vehicles, color guard, and an acknowledgement of the 4th of July holiday.

July 13: Kids & Family Night: Teresa Dufour, from channel 8’s CT Style will be the Grand Marshal. Musical guests are Tuesday Saints.

July 20: Christmas in July: Disco and R&B sensation, Gloria Gaynor, will serve as Grand Marshal. Musical performance by National Recording Artists Lucinda & Michael. Special guest appearance by the Idaho Potato truck.

July 27: Community Night: Torrington’s own Barrie Soucy will be our Grand Marshal. Performance by SDRUM, featuring local musician, Joe Mazza on drums.

Aug. 3: Motor Museum on Main: Features Glen Royals as our Grand Marshal as we salute classic automobiles through the decades. Musical performance by local favorite duo, Belle of the Fall, featuring Tracy Walton and Julia Autumn-Ford.

2017 will also see the return of Chris Massey, the MSMP roaming magician, as well as balloon fun by Frankie. There are many new and returning food and merchandise vendors. “We’re excited to see all those purple tents lining Main Street again this year,” said Cannata.

The MSMP guide will be printed again this year listing all the events, vendors, sponsors, advertisers and guests for each week. This free guide will be available throughout the region starting in late June, and will be available each week at the MSMP Headquarters.

MSMP is setting up headquarters at The Performance HUB, located 45 Main Street for the summer. The space will be open on Thursdays during MSMP as an information booth, lost and found, and a way to answer any questions from vendors and attendees.

As usual, this event requires many volunteers. Board Member Jay Roberts is spearheading the call to volunteers. Volunteers can email the group at info@mainstreetmarketplace.org or by visiting their website or Facebook pages.

Lake Compounce tickets available

LITCHFIELD » Litchfield Parks and Recreation is again selling discounted tickets for Connecticut’s biggest and best amusement park, Lake Compounce. You can enjoy the park

Regular admission price into Lake Compounce is $48.91 at the gate. You can buy your tickets at the Litchfield Parks and Recreation Office located in the Bantam Annex at 80 Doyle Road paying only $29.50 per ticket, which is a savings of $19.41 on each. The tickets are good any day the park is open. These tickets are non-refundable.

Call the Litchfield Parks and Recreation Office to make arrangements to pick up your tickets at 860-567-7569. We take cash, check or money orders only.