Celebrating 14 years, the Ivoryton Village Alliance is once again putting on the annual July 4th Parade in downtown Ivoryton. With the parade stepping off at 10 a.m., all are invited to take part in, or watch, the parade as it meanders down Main Street, up Comstock Avenue, and loops back around again.

“This small-town parade is a wonderful way to start off the 4th of July holiday,” said Donna Lee Gennaro, co-chair of the event along with Kotty Barlow. “This parade is always a good time and it brings our community together to celebrate Independence Day.”

Gary Riggio has been chosen as this year’s parade grand marshal.

“Year after year, Gary has generously volunteered his time, his imagination, and his equipment to our annual Holiday Illuminations event. Without him, all the lights would be at eye level and Santa himself would be earthbound. Ivoryton Village has certainly benefited from Gary’s community spirit and involvement and we really appreciate all that he has done for us and the community,” said Gennaro, who also encourages those with tractors, farm animals, and vintage motorized vehicles to come and be part of the parade.

“We also invite people and teams to march in the parade or hop on your bike, toot your trombone, or slip into your T-Rex suit. Everyone is welcome and the more the merrier,” said Gennaro.

Gennaro said she is always excited to see “Santa Billy” and his group of motorcycle enthusiasts ride in the parade each year. She is also looking forward to the first parade trip of the Ivoryton Library’s brand-new, blow-up elephant.

“That should be a sight to see,” she laughed.

Following the parade, watchers and marchers will meet at the Village Green Gazebo to honor the 2019 grand marshal. First Selectman and State Senator Norm Needleman (D-33) will address the crowd and there will be a short program featuring an abbreviated reading of the Declaration of Independence by long-time Centerbrook resident and actor Norm Rutty who will be in full historical garb for the event. In addition, the New Horizons Band will play, bagpipes will be piping and the honor guard will be on hand.

“Last year we got everyone on the Ivoryton Green to join in a fun sing along of ‘Take Me Out to the Ball Game.’ It’s just very sweet and exactly what you think a small town Fourth of July parade should be,” said Gennaro, who puts her heart and soul into the event each year.

In addition to the parade and ceremony, non-profits are invited to put up tents on the Ivoryton Green to get information out about their organizations and join in the fun. For more information, email Gennaro at donnalee.gennaro@gmail.com.

Parade participants will line up at 9:30 a.m. ahead of the 10 a.m. march. Spectator parking will be available at the Ivoryton Congregational Church. For more information, visit www.ivorytonalliance.org or the Ivoryton Village Alliance Facebook page.