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06/15/2011 12:00 AMIn two weeks, Madison promises another glorious Fourth of July, spread out over three days with traditional fireworks, picnics, and concerts on the Green and a parade packed with community pride.
The summer holiday weekend begins with the concerts on the Green starting at 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 2, followed by fireworks on Sunday, July 3 at approximately 9 p.m. at the Surf Club, and concluding Monday, July 4 with a parade from the town center to the Surf Club starting at 11 a.m. The fireworks will be visible from Hammonasset State Park and all town beaches.
Concerts
On Saturday the Green becomes the center of activity. The Shoreline Youth Symphony will present a concert at 5 p.m. This orchestra is composed of high school musicians from along the shoreline.
Residents, families, friends, and guests begin to gather on the Green earlier in the day to enjoy picnics and informal parties. Participants are reminded that no alcohol is permitted on the Green prior, during, or after the performance.
The Shoreline Youth Symphony is followed by a third concert presented by the Wallingford Symphony Orchestra.
Fireworks
Fireworks will be visible from the Surf Club, West Wharf, and East Wharf. Admission to these areas is regulated by the Town of Madison Beach & Recreation Department regulations. Parking restrictions will be in effect as follows (parking areas will be enforced and vehicles found in a hazardous location will be subject to towing at the owner's expense):
• There will be no parking in posted areas of West Wharf Road and Surf Club Road. This applies to both permanent and temporary "no parking" postings.
• West Wharf will be cleared of vehicles beginning at 5 p.m.
• Vehicles parked at East Wharf Beach will not be allowed to leave until pedestrian traffic is cleared.
The following roads will be closed to inbound traffic at approximately 8 p.m. on
July 3: West Wharf Road, Surf Club Road, Middle Beach West, Island Avenue, and Middle Beach Road from East Wharf Road to Island Avenue.
Public transportation will be available to and from the Surf Club beginning at 5:30 p.m. Persons can park cars and then board buses at the Stop & Shop parking area at Samson Rock Road, the railroad station at Bradley Road, and the commuter lot at Route 79.
At the completion of the fireworks, no inbound traffic will be allowed into the Surf Club until authorized by police officers, no southbound traffic will be allowed on West Wharf Road until authorized by police, and traffic will flow outbound from the beach area in two outbound lanes. Vehicles in the left-hand lane on West Wharf Road (outbound from fireworks) will only be allowed to turn left onto Route 1.
The Police Department asks that all drivers be mindful of the increased pedestrian traffic on all roads before, during, and after the fireworks. Members of the public can obtain updated information via the police department's public information number (203-318-3037) and/or Madison Public Television. Additional information can be found on the department's website, www.madisonct.org. The Madison Police Department urges members of the public to refrain from calling the department's business (203-245-2721), and emergency numbers (i.e. 911) to ask questions regarding event times and locations, etc.
Parade
Monday brings the traditional July 4 parade presented by the Exchange Club and known for its community spirit. There will be floats and marching groups from local organizations, bands, fire engines, classic cars, and a lot of fun. The parade steps off this year at 11 a.m. from the parking lot at Samson Rock Drive, traveling west on the Boston Post Road, turning south at the Madison Country Club, and ending at the Surf Club.
Featuring nearly 100 community groups, floats, bands, clowns, antique cars, trucks, bicycles, and a number of professional performance groups, the Madison Fourth of July Parade celebrates the theme "Our Youth, the Future of America" to help celebrate youth in the area who participate in academic, sports, and national organizations.
The Exchange Club expects to draw some creative floats and fresh ideas that bring more of a directed focus on the community's youth. The Madison Exchange Club expects, as always, to have a large turnout of townspeople and recommends spectators come early to select their personal vantage point.
To register a group spot in this year's parade, contact Mike Catalano at mcatsr@yahoo.com or 203-645-2147 as soon as possible.
Come watch the fireworks, listen to the concerts, and join in the parade. Madison makes this weekend another glorious Fourth of July.