Fireworks will light up the skies over Jacksonville and Hereford this weekend, capping festivities held in advance of Independence Day.

Jacksonville's 33rd annual fireworks display is set for Saturday, June 28, at dusk, in the fields behind Jacksonville Elementary School.

"We've stayed with the Saturday before the fourth because it doesn't compete with larger celebrations in Towson and Bel Air," explained Dennis Lane of the Greater Jacksonville Optimists Club.

"People in the community appreciate it because it doesn't conflict with Fourth of July family vacations. It gives us Sunday as a rain date if necessary," he continued.

On June 28 at 10 a.m., youngsters on bikes, and their pets -- many decked out in patriotic finery -- will meet at the Manor Center shopping center on Sweet Air Road for a parade, sponsored by the Optimists and local merchants.

"We do two loops around the Manor Center and then give McDonald's coupons and awards," Lane said.

At 6 p.m., at the elementary school, a closest-to-the-pin contest and golf-ball drop will raise money for the Optimists' Childhood Cancer Campaign, which provides support to children with cancer and their families, and funds cancer research.

In the closest-to-the pin contest, participants buy three golf balls for $5 and drive them toward a hole marked by a flag. The winner gets a round of golf for two at any Baltimore County-run golf course.

In the golf ball drop, participants buy golf balls for $10 each, and each ball is marked with the buyer's name. A crane lifts a bucket of 150 balls into the air and tips it. The owner of the ball that lands in or nearest to a hole wins $500, or one-third of the money collected if fewer than 150 balls are sold.

Entertainment begins at 6:30 p.m. and includes "Apple John," a clown, juggler, magician and balloon artist. Music by the Satyr Hill Band begins at 7 p.m. Food will be sold, although picnickers are welcome.

In case of rain, the fireworks will be rescheduled to Sunday, June 29. Other events will be canceled.

Hereford Parade

The third annual Hereford Parade will start June 29 at 6 p.m. and last about 90 minutes. Last year, the parade was dedicated to World War II veterans. This year, it will be dedicated to agriculture and farmers.

The event is just one part of a day-long celebration:

* Beginning at noon, families can visit a festival, held across from Lock's Garage on York Road. The Kids' Zone will feature inflatable climbing equipment, games, food and crafts.

In the Holy Zone, churches will put up displays. Live entertainment will be provided on stage in the afternoon.

* Starting at 2 p.m., there will be a display of antique and classic cars at Hereford High School, with food and entertainment.

* At 3:30 p.m., a kids' bike parade will be held behind the Hereford Volunteer Fire Company on Monkton Road.

* Beginning at 6 p.m., the parade will travel from the Hereford Shopping Center, on Mount Carmel Road, to Hereford High School, on York Road.

Once it starts, Mount Carmel and York roads between Interstate 83 and the high school will be closed to traffic.

"We have more than 100 units in the parade, much more music than last year," said Leslie Sipes Pachol, of the Hereford Parade Committee.

WBFF-TV news anchor Jeff Barnd will be master of ceremonies, announcing each unit as it passes the judges' stand on York Road. Parade winners will be announced there at 8 p.m.

Fireworks will follow at a field south of the school at dusk.

In case of rain, the parade will be canceled and the fireworks will be postponed to Monday, June 30.

The Hereford Parade organizers typically hold their Independence Day events on a Sunday evening so they won't disrupt businesses along the parade route in Hereford, Sipes-Pachol said.

"This year, July 6 is a Sunday and we thought everyone would have already seen parades and fireworks if we waited," she said. "By holding our events before July 4, we hope to get a better turnout."

---

user comments (0)