Smyrna-Clayton Fourth of July events include parade, carnival, fireworks

The Smyrna-Clayton July 4th Association is busy planning the annual Independence Day celebration which will feature a parade in Smyrna this year, contests and festivities including a carnival at Smyrna Municipal Park, and fireworks near Smyrna High School. Here are some of the highlights and registration information:

Parade starts at 9:30 a.m.

The Fourth of July Parade, which alternates between Smyrna and Clayton, will be held in Smyrna this year, starting at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 4. Lineup will begin at 7:30 a.m. on South Street near Smyrna Elementary and St. Polycarp Church. All units must be in line and ready to go at 9 a.m.

The parade will travel from South Street to High Street, then right (east) on West Commerce Street, past the Citizens’ Hose Company firehouse, then left (north) on North Main Street to the Municipal Park.

Registration deadline for the parade is June 29. For a registration form or more information, call William “Skip” Carrow II, parade chairman, at 632-2405 or email skip4515@yahoo.com.

Baby Contest at Municipal Park

The Smyrna-Clayton July 4th Association will once again host the annual Baby Contest at Municipal Park on North Main Street at noon on July 4 at the Gazebo.

Pre-registration will begin at 10 a.m. The cost is $5 per entry.

There will be separate registrations for girls and boys. The age groups will be 0 to 3 months, 4 to 6 months, 7 to 9 months, 10 months to 1 year, and 13 months to 2 years.

Prizes will be awarded. Pictures will be available for purchase through Birds Eye Photography.

For more information, call Joanne Masten at 270-1747 or Stacey Huston at 670-0064.

Registration open for Dog Contest

The July 4th Association is also sponsoring the annual Dog Contest on July 4 at Municipal Park at noon.

The categories are Most Patriotic, Best Trick, and Best Dressed. There will be first, second and third place awards given. The contest will begin at noon.

The Smyrna-Clayton July 4th Association is looking forward to seeing many furry pets there.

To pre-register, call Nicole at Concord Pet Food & Supplies at 653-1515.

Carnival July 2-7

The July 4th Association will welcome the Stine Amusement Shows Carnival to the Municipal Park on North Main Street from Monday, July 2 through Saturday, July 7. Hours will be from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on July 2, 3, 5, 6, and 7, with special times on July 4 from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Unlimited ride bracelets will be available at the ticket booth at the park July 2 and 5. Discount coupons for the bracelets will be available at many Smyrna and Clayton merchants. On July 3, all rides will be $1.25 each.

Proceeds from carnival tickets will help raise money for the Fourth of July parade, festivities, and fireworks.

Donations and volunteers appreciated

The non-profit, all-volunteer Smyrna-Clayton July 4th Association appreciates the community’s support in making the annual Independence Day celebration a success.

Donations from businesses, organizations, and individuals are needed to help fund the celebration, especially the fireworks.

Checks to “Smyrna-Clayton July 4th Association” can be mailed to P.O. Box 776, Smyrna, DE 19977.

Volunteers are also welcome to join the association or to help with events on July 4. For more information on joining or volunteering, call Joanne Masten at 653-6235 or Bob Merrill at 653-6809.