Community Corner

Fourth of July Events in Wilton

Raise a flag this Independence Day and participate in these patriotic events in Wilton.

Written by Kathleen Reilly and updated by Liz Young

Happy July 2!  Huh?

Although Independence Day is officially July 4th, if our second president, John Adams, had his way, we would be celebrating on the 2nd rather than the 4th. During the Second Continental Congress, our founding fathers actually approved a resolution of independence from Great Britain on July 2nd, but Americans  honor July 4th, the date actually inscribed on the world famous Declaration of Independence—the day it was officially recognized.

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Details, details.

Nowadays, the real question isn’t when to celebrate Independence Day, but how, where, and with whom.

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More than likely, the first celebratory event that comes to mind is a colorful—and loud—fireworks demonstration.  Although Adams may not have been right about the specific day of celebration, he did get the celebration format right, allegedly predicting that such an auspicious day would be annually observed with illuminations.

In Wilton, the fireworks display is set to be held July 4 at about 9:30 p.m. at Wilton High School. Parking is $20 per vehicle unless a donation of at least $35 is made to become a Wilton Fourth of July booster using this form.

But pyrotechnics are best to behold at night.  So how can you honor July 4th during the day?

To start off your morning, Wilton is holding the Freedom Run Road Race, a 5k beginning at 8:30 a.m. The registration fee is $10 for children age 14 and younger and $20 for those 15 and older.

Host your friends and family at home—or export the fun to a local park—with a picnic or barbeque replete with tasty food and lawn games. Outfit your backyard with outdoor amusements such as badminton, corn-hole or croquet—to name just a few—that can delight party attendees throughout the day. 

There are a few great places to picnic in Wilton:

  • Ambler Farm 257 Hurlbutt Street, Wilton. Ambler Farm has picnic tables set up on their grounds.
  • Woodcock Nature Center 56 Deer Run Road, Wilton. The WNC has picnic areas at the center itself and also along the trails. 
  • Merwin Meadows Park 52 Lovers Lane, Wilton. This park has a pond to cool off in, a playground, sports fields/courts and picnic areas. Print and fill out the required form before visiting the park.

Perhaps a bit of Yankee Doodle Dandy?

What better time of year to attend a carnival, or even a concert with musical pieces specifically tailored to this summer holiday. This might be your opportunity to hear “God Bless America,”  “America the Beautiful,” and even George M. Cohan’s “I’m a Yankee Doodle Boy,” plus other melodies performed by talented professionals.

There will be three bands playing at Wilton High School on the Fourth – Joan Wallace and Saturday @ 5, Kenn Morr Band and Rum Runners. They start at various times from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., so check out the Wilton website for details.

And if Independence Day doesn’t give you enough cause to set off a few firecrackers?

This July also marks the 150 anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg, a major turning point in the Civil War – a war which many consider the re-birth of our nation.

For more information, head to the Wilton Parks and Rec website or call (203) 454-5188.


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