July 4 was a blast
The Silver Dollar Band sporting new T-shirts.
To the Editor:
It was another wonderful (okay, a little hot) Independence Day in Swarthmore!
While the day’s events may seem to flow effortlessly, there is a lot of behind the scenes planning. There are many people to thank, so please forgive me if I have missed you.
Thank you to the borough, which provides our sound system and grandstand, and the Swarthmore police, who clear Park Avenue and provide exciting sound effects during the bike races and parade. Thank you to the Swarthmore Fire and Protective Association, which, in addition to its engine rides, hotdogs, bell ringing ceremony, what-not-to-do-when-you’re-grilling demonstration and water fight, strings pennants and cuts down overhanging tree branches, which can impede the engine rides.
Thank you to the Swarthmore Recreation Association (SRA) for organizing its rousing bicycle races and horseshoe tournament. The Lions Club Children’s Parade was very popular, with many well-decorated bikes and floats and strollers. Thank you to Andy Shelter for his borough portrait, and to Jane Billings and Billy Hodges for their engaging way as masters of ceremonies duties.
The Silver Dollar Band looked great in their new T-shirts, and both they and the Silvertones sounded wonderful. Thanks to Boy Scout Troop 112, the Swarthmore British Car Club, and the neighborhood groups and churches who marched in the parade. We can always use more antique cars and marchers – why not try to top the lawn chair brigade or shopping cart routine of past years?
Independence Day in Swarthmore is a great tradition. Please join us next year – it’s on a Saturday! - and, of course, we are always looking for suggestions to make it even better.
Ellen C. Pierce
Swarthmore Independence Day Committee
