Celebrating Independence Day and much more
July 7, 2021 | By Lisa Scagliotti 
With the theme “The Roaring 20s,” NQID returns to Waterbury on Saturday with a parade at 4 p.m., live music and food vendors at Rusty Parker Memorial Park, and fireworks set off near the State Office Complex at dusk. File photo by Gordon Miller
Waterbury’s Independence Day never promises it will happen right on the holiday, and this year could not be more apropos as it is set for this Saturday, July 10. Instead of kicking off the Fourth of July season in Central Vermont, the festivities organized by the Waterbury Rotary Club will wrap them up this weekend with a parade, live music, food vendors and fireworks.
Usually held on the last Saturday in June, the Not Quite Independence Day events took a hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. This year, organizers looked to schedule it when it seemed likely that state public health guidance would allow for events without many restrictions. As it turned out, Vermont’s high vaccination rate and low number of virus cases resulted in state mandates regarding masks and capacity limits being lifted even sooner than expected, but NQID plans were already locked in for July 10.
With the theme “The Roaring 20s,” the celebration will be held in downtown Waterbury on Saturday beginning with a parade on Main Street at 4 p.m. It will start off from the State Office Complex and head through town to the railroad bridge near Dac Rowe Park and the roundabout. Rotary volunteers and food vendors will be set up at Rusty Parker Memorial Park to open by 5 p.m. The band Still Kickin’ will provide live music starting at 6 p.m. for the evening. Fireworks behind the state offices at dusk (9-9:30 p.m.) should be visible throughout the downtown with parking available in the state parking lot.
There is no admission charge for NQID, but the Rotary appreciates all donations to help defray expenses for the event. More details are online on the Rotary Club’s website and on its Facebook page.
The Waterbury Community Band performs in the 2019 NQID parade and will again on Saturday. It also will perform Tuesday night concerts in Waterbury Center through Aug. 17. File photo by Lisa Scagliotti
More events and celebrations
As summer heads into full swing and people begin to gather again, a number of events have been added to the community calendar. Here are some highlights.
Waterbury Community Band: The Waterbury Community Band will make its customary appearance performing live on a float in Saturday’s NQID parade. But it also will be practicing for weekly performances in a series of free concerts at the Waterbury Center Commons Park. Weather permitting, the band invites the community to bring their lawn chairs and blankets to the park with the gazebo across from the Grange Hall. Concerts start at 7 p.m. on Tuesday evenings through Aug. 17.
The band welcomes new members playing any instrument and of any musical ability. In announcing the concert series, band member Luther Leake said the group would especially enjoy having new student musicians take part. Anyone wishing to join in should bring their instrument, a chair, and a music stand to the park, he said. For more information, email LutherLeake@gmail.com.
Conductor, composer, music educator, and accordionist, Aaron Kula invites music lovers to stop by to listen or join in on several jamboree sessions this weekend at Bridgeside Books and Waterbury Commons Park. Photo by Jeffrey Tholl Photography
Pop-up Crossroads Folk Music Jamboree: Bridgeside Books is hoping to spark some spontaneous folk music this weekend with three free pop-up jam sessions on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday afternoons, July 9-11. Visiting Waterbury, accomplished musician, conductor, composer, and music educator Aaron Kula invites local musicians of all ages and abilities to come together for some spontaneous collaboration.
Kula will bring his accordion and sheet music representing a variety of folk traditions from around the world including Irish, Klezmer, Middle Eastern, spirituals, blues, and more. Musicians playing all instruments are welcome including accordion, banjo, winds, brass, and percussion, he said. Visiting daughter Katya d’Angelo who owns Bridgeside Books, Kula said he is inspired by the Waterbury community and hopes to add to the festive vibe this weekend.
Friday and Saturday’s sessions from 2 to 3 p.m. will set up outside at Bridgeside Books, at 29 Stowe Street; Sunday’s session will be held at Waterbury Center Commons Park across from the Grange Hall, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Collaborators are invited to join for one or all of the sessions and stipends will be available, Kula said. For more information and music in advance, contact Kula by email kula.aaron@gmail.com or call 561-414-4332. Although these get-togethers are designed for spontaneity, Kula said it would be helpful to hear from musicians who would like to play. The public is invited to stop by the downtown sessions or bring a chair or blanket to enjoy the session in the park, all free of charge.
Jessi Zawiski’s painting, “Phoenix Rising,” will be the image mounted on the exposed exterior wall at 5 Stowe Street. Image Courtesy Waterbury Arts
WDEV anniversary: On Saturday, July 17, the lower block of Stowe Street will be closed from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. when WDEV radio station celebrates its 90th anniversary. The public is invited to attend for refreshments and to visit while the station broadcasts live from outside its offices.
Amtrak’s return: Passenger rail service to Washington, D.C. and New York City returns to Vermont on July 19 with Amtrak’s Vermonter and Ethan Allen Express lines. Revitalizing Waterbury plans a reception at the Waterbury Train Station that morning to welcome the first train. It’s scheduled to start at 9:30 a.m. with Amtrak expected to arrive at 10:10 a.m. The community is invited for refreshments.
Car show street party: The Vermont Antique & Classic Car Meet returns Aug. 13-15 at Farr’s Field this year after skipping 2020 due to the pandemic. The event includes a parade on the 14th down Main Street followed by a street party with music and dancing on Stowe Street.
Marking 10 years post-Irene: Several community groups are putting together plans to mark the 10th anniversary since Tropical Storm Irene blew through Vermont leaving behind devastating flood damage in many communities including Waterbury. A celebration is planned for the evening of Friday, Aug. 27. One highlight will be the dedication of the two-story mounted mural, “Phoenix Rising,” on the exterior of 5 Stowe Street, the building that houses Axel’s Gallery and Frame Shop. The crowdfunded project organized by WaterburyArts and designed by artist Jessi Zawicki, is about $8,000 away from its $46,000 goal.
ArtsFest returns Sept. 10-11: Usually held in July, ArtsFest organized by Revitalizing Waterbury has a later date this year but plans are coming together for the customary two-day event. A block party, 5-10 p.m. on the 10th, will start things off and vendors will set up along lower Stowe Street and Bidwell Lane from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the 11th.