Bel Air Gears Up for Independence Day Celebration

Scorching summer temperatures this week are a reminder that it’s not too early to begin making plans for this year’s July Fourth celebration. The Bel Air Independence Day Committee has planned a full day of events to mark the holiday.

The day will begin with a flag raising ceremony conducted by the Disabled American Veterans, Chapter 30; American Legion Post 39 at  at 6:45 a.m.

The main event, however, will be the downtown parade scheduled to begin at 6 p.m.

For those looking to celebrate with some good food, a blueberry pancake and sausage breakfast is planned at Bel Air High School from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. A watermelon-eating contest is also scheduled at .

Animal lovers can attend hamster races, a turtle derby and of course the Great Bel Air Frog Jumping Contest beginning at 9 a.m., in Shamrock Park.

The day will conclude with a fireworks display at at around 9:30 p.m.  In the event of inclement weather, the display will be held on July 5.

Refreshments and souvenirs will be available all day. Restrooms and first aid stations will be located at various sites.

Programs with maps showing a complete list of Bel Air’s Independence Day activities, along with their locations are available free of charge around town beginning around June 26. Maps of the parade route and the fireworks location are available online.

For more information on the day’s activities, check out the Bel Air Independence Day Committee’s website or call 410-893-4444.