Parade theme, “Power to the People”
Saturday July 4 — POULTNEY — One year ago Poultney residents were picking up the pieces from a massive summer storm that caused thousands of power outages and extensive damage in the town, including the cancellation of their Independence Day celebration. This year, however, the town is ready to gather for a day full of fun and festivities to honor our nation’s independence on July 4 with a parade theme “Power to the People.” The town chose the theme to honor Green Mountain Power crews and other first responders for their courage and dedication to clean-up and storm restoration in the wake of last year’s storm.
“Each year we pick a theme for our parade and we all agreed this was a way for our town to show our appreciation for GMP and the first responders they worked with to keep us safe and get the lights back on,” said Town Manager Jonas Rosenthal. “GMP is committed to the community every day, but we especially want to acknowledge their dedication during the storm where crews worked around the clock to restore power.”
The past year’s Fourth of July saw strong winds knock down hundreds of trees onto power lines, causing 34,000 outages statewide. Hundreds of crews from around the region and Quebec were deployed around the state, including dozens to Poultney, one of the areas hardest hit. The storm hit Poultney July 3, 2014 around 6 p.m., knocking out power to residents there for several days.
“We are honored to be part of Poultney’s celebration and accept this recognition on behalf of the many responders who work tirelessly during storms and other emergencies to keep the public safe,” said GMP Designer Dave Birmingham, who works in the Poultney office. “Restoring power quickly and safely during last year’s holiday was an incredible partnership with the local community, contract crews, tree trimmers and first responders like the Poultney Fire Department.”
The parade will also recognize the Poultney Fire Department as the citizen of the year for their tremendous work during the storm and other emergencies over the year.
The parade starts at 10 a.m. and makes its way down to the elementary school for a full day of events. There will be tons of food, from hot dogs and hamburgers to fried dough and maple products, and entertainment galore, including renowned children’s musician Steve Lindholm, area magicians, face painting, the Catamount Pipe Band, a puppet show by the beloved No Strings Marionette Co., a dance party by DJ John Saltis and fireworks at dusk.
For more info, visit www.poultneyrecreation.com.
