Montrose July 4th focuses on Declaration of Independence

The Kiwanis-Lions-Rotary (KLR) service clubs of Montrose are pleased to announce that they have chosen the theme “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness 4thth” for this year’s Independence Day Celebration to be held in Montrose on Saturday, July 4.

The Preamble to the Declaration of Independence that was authored by our forefathers as we sought to gain our freedom from the tyranny imposed by British Rule contains one of the most memorable and historic lines ever put to paper. Simply stated, they declared that we are granted by our creator the unalienable rights to “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.”

The KLR will recognize and celebrate these rights our nation professes and adheres to in our everyday lives. Some of the characteristics of each of these rights can include, but not be limited to are the following: “Life” – We have the right to live out our lives as we see fit, but within the boundaries of respect for others and ‘doing what is right’. “Liberty” – Liberty in our lives means freedom – the freedoms we are granted in the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. “Pursuit of Happiness” – Happiness can be defined as that feeling of self-worth and the dignity you acquire by contributing to your community and to its civic life.

The KLR is pleased to announce that this year’s Grand Marshals will be The Honorable, Judge Kenneth Seamans, on his retirement from the bench and The Honorable, Jason Legg, the newly elected Judge for Susquehanna County.

The July 4th festivities in Montrose provide a number of daylong activities to celebrate our Nation’s freedom and independence. The Endless Mountains Independence Day Races will begin with runners registering, 6:30–7:30 a.m., at the courthouse. A one-mile Fun Run (no registration required), will start at 7:45 a.m.; followed by the 5K starting at 8:10 a.m.; and the 10K race starting at 8:20 a.m.

The first 400 5K and 10K registrants will get a commemorative gift. In addition, awards will be presented to many age groups for both men and women. Again this year, timing and results will be handled by the Triple Cities Runners Club. Racers may pre-register on-line and check race results by going to a new web site – www.montroseklr.com.

Over 125 top quality arts and craft exhibitors will be set up on the Village Green starting at 8:00 a.m. In addition many food and soda booths will provide a vast variety of ’goodies’ to satisfy any palate. A chicken barbecue dinner will also be available, starting at 10:00 a.m.

The highlight of the day will be the Patriotic Parade, which steps off at 11 a.m.

As in years past, the theme will be used as a guide to decorate the floats that will participate in the Parade. The floats that best depict this year’s theme, “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness 4th,” will be awarded cash prizes as follows: 1st – $200, 2nd – $150, 3rd – $100, 4th thru 6th – $50 each.

In addition, the Kiwanis Club of Montrose will present the Ted Brzuska Memorial Award for the float that best depicts “service to children.” The prize is $100.

Floats will be judged during the parade for how they best present the theme for this year.

The Patriotic Parade continues to draw large crowds to see the many musical units and bands, floats depicting the theme, specialty units and floats, and antique and classic cars.

A special appearance by the Montrose Marching Unit Alumni Band will thrill parade watchers, young and old alike, as they perform along the parade route and provide a short concert on the court house steps immediately at the conclusion of the parade.

Despite the road construction still going on in Montrose, the parade will follow its customary route of travel from the east end of Grow Avenue near Lake Montrose to Church Street and up Public Avenue to the village green.

Public safety officials said temporary “No Parking” signs will be posted on streets designated for emergency vehicle access. Violators risk fines and towing costs. There are many off-street parking lots identified for guest parking, as well as lawn and driveway spaces provided by Montrose residents.

The day will conclude with a gigantic display of fireworks. The Montrose Area Chamber of Commerce will present this annual July 4th tradition on the grounds of the Montrose Area High School beginning at dusk. (Rain Date – Sunday, July 5, at dusk).

Additional information can be obtained by contacting the following telephone numbers: General Info: 570-278 -3537, Arts & Crafts – 570-278-2566, Parade – 570-278-3861. Races – 607-727-7167; or on the web at, www.montroseklr.com