Independence Day Celebration – Brandon

There are SO many great things to do and see at the Brandon Independence Day celebration. Scroll down for a complete description of each event! 

• Parade – largest in the state.
• Music – 8 BANDS in the Parade including Vermont’s Own 40th Army Band, Brass, Rock, Pipes, OVUHS, Chorus, American Legion, Fifes & Drum, Traditional and more. In the Park: Karaoke before the Parade and Bluegrass after!
• Food
• Family Activities and Games (including Bounce House, Petting Zoo, Dunking Booth, Pie-eating Contest, Ol’ Fashioned Games like Tug-o-War, Relays, etc.)
• Crafts, “Stilt Man”
• Silent Auction
• The Great Ball Race
• Stephen Douglas 200th Birthday Celebration: “The Rivalry”
• Fireworks (+ DJ, Parade Float Winner Announcements, Food & Fun)

Parade: The signature event of the Celebration starts at 1 pm at the intersection of Park, High and Marble Streets. The parade marches down beautiful Park Street, through downtown, past our historic Town Hall, through Conant Square, and ends at Brandon Lumber (on Route 7, just about half-mile north of the Brandon Inn).

Music: The Parade will be full of great Music. If you want to make your own Music, hang out with Karaoke Steve before the Parade, at 9:00  a.m. in the Central Park Bandstand. Immediately following the Parade, Just Passin’ Thru Bluegrass Band will be playing a free concert in Central Park.

Food: What kind of Independence Day Celebration would be complete without the grill, sweets, and some surprises? Hot dogs, hamburgers, BBQ chicken, Mexican, Sausage, and Steak & Cheese sandwiches, Wraps, Bread Dough, Fruit & Fruit drinks, Pie & Ice Cream, Cotton Candy, Shaved Ice and Maple products. Lots of vendors selling hand crafted item vendors will also be in the Park.

Family Activities and Games: The kids will love the Bounce House, petting zoo, dunking booth, pie-eating contest, ol’ fashioned games like sack races, relays and much more. Behind the Brandon Inn from 10:30 am – 12:30 pm. Special thanks to the Brandon Inn. FREE

Silent Auction: Let’s face it, Celebrations cost money. Supporting the Silent Auction is the best way to “pay it forward”. Scores of donations are awaiting your bid! There’s some great opportunities so come on in to Fellowship Hall (next to the Congregational Church) between 9 am – 3 pm and do some bidding! Not going to be around on the 6th? Want to avoid the crowds? Do your bidding in advance. Details coming soon.

The Great Ball Race: The Great Ball Race is part of the tradition. Purchase a “ball” for only $5; once you buy it, you own that ball’s number and it ensures it will be part of the Race. The Race takes place in Central Park at 3:00 pm. First ball prize is: $300.00 Second ball prize is: $200.00 Third ball prize is: $100.00.

The Rivalry: A dramatic dialogue of the Lincoln-Douglas debates featuring former Vermont Governors Madeleine Kunin as Mrs. Adele Douglas, Jim Douglas as Stephen Douglas (no relation) and Vermont educator John Dilts as Abraham Lincoln. The Rivalry will take place at 3:30 pm in the Brandon Town Hall. Tickets are $10 and may be purchased on-line. Immediately following The Rivalry there will be a tribute in honor of Stephen A Douglas’ 200th Birthday.

Fireworks: Come on over to Park Village (the old Brandon Training School) at 6:00 pm for food, fun, float winner announcements, and then count-down to the Fireworks. Brandon puts on a great show that you won’t want to miss. Donations appreciated.