Star Band prepares for July 4 parade

BARKHAMSTED » The Barkhamsted Lions Club will again be sponsoring a July 4 parade at 10:30 a.m. in the Pleasant Valley section of town. The Star Band will be formed to provide marching band music for the parade and the brief post-parade ceremony at the Barkhamsted Elementary School.

Star Band director Willard Minton always looks forward to this annual event. “It is a special event in Barkhamsted and the entire area because there are so few Fourth of July celebrations in the Northwestern Corner of the state,” Minton said, in a written statement. Minton encouraged musicians to join the band. A rehearsal is scheduled, rain or shine, on Monday, July 3 from 6-7 p.m. at Barkhamsted Elementary School on Ripley Hill Road (Route 318) in Pleasant Valley. Those who aren’t able to attend the rehearsal are certainly welcome to show up Tuesday morning at the start of the parade.

Participants must have their own instruments and music lyres, and music will be provided at the rehearsal or before the parade. The “uniform” for the Star Band is jeans or denim shorts and white or bright red shirts.

The parade forms at 10 a.m. on West River Road, about half a mile from the Ripley Hill intersection. Stepping off at 10:30 a.m., the parade proceeds down West River Road to the Barkhamsted Elementary School where a brief patriotic ceremony will be held.

Participants are asked to park at the school or be dropped off where the parade will form. Minton, a longtime Barkhamsted resident, says he never knows who will participate in The Star Band from year to year.

“It is truly an act of faith, but that adds to the fun and spontaneity of the day,” he said. “Some day I hope to have a 100-piece marching band come down the street – wouldn’t that be something? Everyone is invited.” For more information, email Minton at mintonpattywill@gmail.com