For many of us the past few months have been a time of uncertainty. You know what
?is?certain? Takoma Park will have our biggest annual celebration of democracy and community on July 4. Each year our Independence Day Celebration attracts over 10,000 attendees to share the morning parade and the evening street party. It's common to hear residents say throughout the year to visitors, "You should really come back on Independence Day. We throw a great party!"
Drop in to learn how?you?can help make this day possible at our?volunteers'?happy hour meet-and-greet on Thursday, April 24 from 4:30 PM - 6:15 PM at the Olive Lounge.?We need you?Most of you may not know that the Independence Day Celebration is produced by a Committee of
?15+ volunteers?that start planning in January, and is joined by?
another 35+ volunteers?on July 4. Our work includes coordination with our wonderful City partners (e.g., City Manager, Police, Fire, Public Works, Recs, Finance) along with a long list of other responsibilities including extensive parade planning and coordination, vendor management, web / digital design and outreach, artistic direction, music, grant writing / fundraising, publicity, and so on.
The event is only possible because of those who raise their hand to say, "I want this to happen, and I can help". Also important is the steady supply of new ideas that come with new volunteers. The Committee tries hard to keep innovating: improving how we do our work, adding new vendors and new entertainment, adding programs like our Parade Grants to spark new ideas for parade?floats and performances, and so on.
Curious to learn more??Our volunteers say they love working on this event and with each other. We need help on July 4th, but particularly need Committee?members who can help during the offseason. Many of?our?roles require?very?modest?time?commitments?and can be scheduled largely by you on your own time.
Drop in at the Olive Lounge on Thursday, April 24 from 4:30 PM - 6:15 PM for our volunteers' happy hour?meet-and-greet?to learn about volunteer opportunities, and to meet the wonderful people you'd be working alongside. We'll provide Middle Eastern snacks, and the Lounge has a full bar for your beverage purchases.
If you can't make the meet-and-greet but want to learn more about volunteer opportunities, please?, and we'll contact you.
Thank you!
Takoma Park Independence Day Committee
John Cornwell