Handy name: Not Quite Independence Day shifts to July 10

May 7, 2021 | By Lisa Scagliotti 

Waterbury's Not Quite Independence Day celebration is now scheduled for July 10 with a parade, concert and fireworks. 2019 file photo by Lisa Scagliotti

Waterbury’s annual Not Quite Independence Day celebration will continue to be true to its name with a new twist this year as the festivities shift to July 10 rather than a typical late-June date. 

Waterbury Rotary Club president Dan McKibben told the Waterbury Select Board Monday night that organizers for the annual event are closely watching updates from state on public health guidance regarding COVID-19 and large gatherings. 

Restrictions on large events are slated to relax further on July 4, McKibben noted, and that should be the step needed for the Rotary to manage the parade, concert and fireworks scheduled to return after being called off in 2020 due to the pandemic. 

“The decision to change the date was based upon the Vermont Roadmap to Reopening, which starts Step 4 on July 4, McKibben said. 

Under Step 3, there is a limitation of 900 unvaccinated individuals at large events. “We don’t want to be in a position of checking that,” McKibben told the board. Waiting for Step 4 to be in effect will be easier to manage and more people will be vaccinated by then, he said.  

The annual event is aptly named as it is typically scheduled for the last Saturday in June, before Independence Day. This year, the name will still be apropos for the July date. 

Organizers are keeping the details simple, McKibben said, skipping the usual Green Mountain Mile road race ahead of the parade and not planning kids activities. Spectators for the parade will have all of Main Street to spread out and stay distanced; the concert is being planned as a drive-in event and fireworks viewing also should be possible with distancing, McKibben noted. 

The parade down Main Street will start at 4 p.m. with the theme being “The Roaring 20s” as well as a celebration of the completion of the Main Street construction project.  Following the parade, the local band Still Kickin’ will play at Rusty Parker Park where food and beverage vendors will set up

“At dusk, a spectacular fireworks show will be launched from behind the State Office Complex.  This show will be designed to be visible from many areas in the village,” McKibben said.  

All participants and attendees will be expected to follow the state’s Universal Guidance for all of the festivities, including staying home if you are sick, maintaining safe distances, and wearing masks in crowded areas.   

Because the fireworks contract is with the town, the select board was asked to approve changing the contract date from June 26 to July 10. It voted 4-0 to do so. Chair Mark Frier was absent. 

Rotary organizers noted that the annual summer event comes together with the cooperation of many entities including the Town of Waterbury, the Waterbury Fire Department, Northstar Fireworks, Revitalizing Waterbury, MakerSphere, the Waterbury Community Band, and the many local residents who take part. “Let’s make this a fun and safe event for all,” McKibben said. 

Updates on NQID will be posted on the Rotary’s Facebook page.  https://www.facebook.com/waterburyvtrotary/