READSBORO- Readsboro is putting on a celebration, a big celebration. This weekend, the Readsboro Fourth of July committee will be putting on their annual Independence Day celebration. The theme this year is honoring the town’s World War II veterans. The Fourth of July celebration takes place Friday, June 25, to Saturday, June 26.

The two-day event will be filled with fun activities. Organizer Charlotte Clark said they expect that this year’s celebration will be one of their best. “The Fourth of July committee has been working hard on this event. We began meeting (last) fall and came up with a theme. Since there are not many World War II veterans left, we thought it was important to recognize them,” said Clark.

Friday’s festivities kick off with the demolition derby at the Readsboro ball field at 6 pm. Gates open at 3 pm and admission is $7 per person. Children five and under are free. A bonfire will be lit at 8 pm.

The Readboro Lions Club will feature live music by the rock'n'roll band Miss Guided. The show begins at 9 pm; there is a $5 cover charge. Proceeds benefit the Lions Club.

Saturday’s festivities begin with the “Saluting Our Veterans” Independence Day parade at 11 am. The parade takes place on Main Street and parade organizers are looking for floats. If interested, contact Clark at (802) 423-7080 or e-mail char10242@aol.com.

The Readsboro Lions Park Fourth of July activities begin after the parade. Admission is $7 per car or $2 for pedestrians.

The following activities begin at noon: A band concert, a duck race, a horseshoe tournament, and a silent auction. The ducks will be released from the Lions Park bridge; the horseshoe tournament will be giving away top prizes; and the silent auction features local artwork from Mark Lowe, Tiger Waterman, and Nicki Sprague.

Food stands open at noon and vendors will be selling burgers, hot dogs, cold drinks, and more all afternoon.

At 1 pm, the Lions Club will hold their famous chicken barbecue. Tickets are $10 for a complete chicken dinner and they can be purchased at the American Legion Post #29, the Readsboro Store, or by calling Clark at (802) 423-7080.

The second annual children’s tractor pull takes place at 2 pm at the Readsboro ballfield. All entries must be at the field at 12 pm sharp to participate.

The Lions Park Independence Day festivities continue at 6 pm with carnival games, a bouncy house, cotton candy, 50-50 raffles, a dunking booth, three-leg races, bingo, music by DJ “D,” and more.

The fireworks display begins at 9 pm and is sponsored by Atlas Fireworks. Festivities come to a close at The Readsboro Inn on Main Street. Shut Up and Dance will perform beginning at 9:30 pm. The Readsboro Inn will be offering beer specials, giveaways, and more.

A rain date has been scheduled for Sunday, June 25. “Unless there’s tornadoes, the fireworks will be a go,” said Clark. “They will still take place in the rain, provided there is no severe lightning.”