ABOUT

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Since 1948, the Town of Rutland, Massachusetts has celebrated the 4th of July in style. 
 

The parade began in 1948 and was run by Rutland Recreational Council until about 1973.
For about 10 years the parade was organized by the Fire Department and in 1983 the
town appointed a committee from local residents and for the past 37 years has had
committees of about 15 to 20 devoted volunteers.

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Through the years there has been more than just the parade:

  • Ham & Bean Supper – sponsored by the Congregational Church

  • Bike,Trike and Doll Carriage parade for many years sponsored by the Historical Society.

  • Strawberry Festival – sponsored by the Rutland Grange

  • Road Race – sponsored by Rutland Sportsman’s Club now the Rutland Lions Club

  • Lip Sync contest

  • Pancake Breakfast– sponsored by Friends of the Council on Aging

  • Band concerts (the Jolly Kopperschmidts performed for over 20 years)

  • Pie eating contests

  • Volleyball, baseball and softball tournaments

  • Junior Olympics to include three-legged and sack races

  • Minstrel shows in the 1950’s

  • Talent/dance shows by local dance studios run by Miss Jean Warner or Marcia Varjian

  • Firemen musters

  • Fireworks and bonfires

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Food booths have generously given 20% of their profits, which helps offset the expenses for
all the events, have been run by: Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, Little League,
Central Tree PTO, Rutland Congregational Church.

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Our tradition will continue to bring friends, families and a community together to celebrate.


Enjoy and have a Happy 4th!

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