Gosh, you guys need a new photo :) bwaha~

This was posted on Meadowvale's Facebook page: Attn all Meadowvale Patriot parade participants . . . due to the heat index and great concern that we have for our kids and families, PTA Executive Board feels that it is unsafe to participate in today's parade. Helmets would be needed for scooters (which adds an even greater heat concern) and even walking is still offering us a great concern. It is with great sadness and heavy hearts (especially to our 5th graders) that we will not be participating today. Thank you for your understanding - you know that all decisions are made in the best interest of our children :)

Yeah, I'm gonna crawl out of my cave to take some pictures today!

I know that the 4th of July committee does an excellent job of planning for all the activities year after year...but for the record (again), I have to object for the 4th of July being celebrated on any other day than the 4th of July. Yes, yes, I know all the reasons...but to me, it's like celebrating Christmas Day on the 21st of December. I know that the "word" is that this is what the people of HdG want, but I have not ever heard with my ears from a resident of HdG that this is what they DO want....it's just a matter of putting up with what is business, as usual. I'd love to see this issue go to a public vote. I think it would be eye-opening...

But, I do want to thank the members of the 4th of July planning committee for all the hard work that they do each and every year to ensure that the celebrations are family-oriented and community-pleasing. I applaud and thank you for your work.

"Save the Fence"

Hey Sean this is my niece Delilah with the Level Majorette's.

Brent, no one is making the question of whether to celebrate the 4th of July on the 4th "an issue"...it IS an issue to many, many people who attend the festivities. I don't think that it is an issue of competition with other towns, at all. What do you think Havre de Grace ever did before they starting holding the festivities on days other than the 4th? They had their carnival, parade and fireworks and those that live and thrive in this beautiful waterfront property preferred to spend their 4th of July in their hometown. It has never been an issue of "let's have the HdG festivites on another day, so that we can go to the Bel Air parade." PLEASE! Longtime residents don't even venture to Bel Air on the 4th....this is something new that has been done in the last decade or so, because there is nothing to do in Havre de Grace on the 4th of July!

Continuing with my comment above...Just a question to throw out there: Are we really deciding when to have our 4th of July festivities based on a Ravens marching band? Have we forgotten what we're celebrating? Football or the nation's independence?...I think, that although the Ravens marching band is a nice attraction, it's not why we come together to celebrate as a community. The comment about not having the festivites on the acutal 4th because it might be an odd day during the middle of the week...well, that's when most of the people have off work (some actually work on Sundays, so that doesn't work for all concerned). So, yes, I think there is a need to explore this issue that, according to a multitude of people that have shared with me their disapproval of celebrating the 4th on other days is ALREADY an issue. Why not go to referendum? What's the harm? If the general consensus is that the residents of Havre de Grace do indeed want to celebrate the 4th of July holiday days in advance when the 4th doesn't fall on a weekend, and not just tolerate it because that's what has been planned, then it will resonate on a ballot. If not, then we need to do something about it to cater to the wants of the people, don't you think?

Not to monopolize this page, but I totally forgot to say how nice the 4th of July photos and coverage were! Thank you Sean and your staff, for diligently covering the festivities.

Also, Sean, I appreciate your willingness to consider running a poll on the issue of when to celebrate the 4th. However, a poll will not reflect those who don't read The HdG Patch regularly, or the ones who see the story and if they do, there is no guarantee that they will take the time to comment but a poll, although, not definitive or reflective of the popular vote, should be a good place to start to hear just what the people want regarding our 4th of July celebrations.

Thank you for openness to report the facts without bias. That is what will keep me a HdG Patch fan!

Also, thank yous to Ms. Narvell and 4th of July committee for another successful 4th of July celebration. Your dedication and service to the community is greatly appreciated!!!

I like the 4th festivities on days other then the 4th for selfish reasons. It is the only gathering I get with my children and grandchildren and other family members. They always have plans on the actual day. And never get to see them for any other holidays. And it is easier for them to get that day off from work then it is to get the actual holiday off. In my family they don't work the 9 to 5 Monday thru Friday holidays off jobs.

I think it is better to have them on other days other then the 4th. One reason it does allow you to go to other parades in the county (ie Bel Air's, who always has their parade on the 4th no matter where it falls in the week) and if your kids are anything like mine they enjoy themselves at the parade and watching fireworks at night. I do enjoy it being on a weekend because a lot of my family is from out of town (out of Maryland or even in Maryland and has an over 2 hour drive to get to HDG) so with it being on a weekend it allows them to come down and stay and visit. And Brent does make a good point, these bands, fire departments, and other organizations that are in these parades do get prizes for being in them (hence why there is a judges booth) if we are battling with another town for having parades on the same day and other towns offer big prizes I would think these bands (especially the ones that travel great distances would go to the other parades).

I believe HDG high school has the best marching band and I know how it was when my sister was in the band going from one parade to the next in the same day it was exhausting (every parade route is at least a mile long then factor in temps of 100+ degrees, I know I wouldn't want to march multiple times a day in that). And to bring another point, Darlington has their parade prior to the fouth of July (theirs being at the end of June) and they still get a good crowd. I don't think it is a major deal of when you celebrate, as long as you celebrate and you're surrounded by good friends and family, having a great time I think that's all that matters.

The Independence Celebration Committee wishes to thank all those who participated in our parade, and all those who donated on the parade route and throughout the year. This is a true celebration of the great counrty in which we all live ....and I can't believe how many people braved the heat to participate in the parade and as spectators in all of the events. We all showed our love and respect for the U.S. even if it wasn't on July 4th. Wish we could do it everyday!!!

Just added 69 photos that I took of the always wonderful parade. I hope you enjoy them. Havre de Grace really knows how to celebrate Independence Day! The parade, carnival and fireworks really showcases the patriotism and small-town charm that only Havre de Grace can deliver!