From the Dublin Darlington Community Council:
The early bird gets the worm…uh…best seat in the house for the closest fireworks in Harford County. Darlington is always the first Independence Day event to kick off the Fourth of July, but this year it’s even earlier because of the fact that July 4 is on a Wednesday. So Saturday, June 23, starts the big celebration with a parade and ending with a spectacular fireworks display in Francis Silver Park.
2012 marks the 29th year for the Darlington event. And even though the fireworks display is always spectacular, it will be even better this year due to extra fireworks to mark the 200 year anniversary of the War of 1812. Thanks to the generosity of the Hopkins family of Elberton Hill Farm, the display will be extended.
The parade steps off from the Weigh Station on Route 1 at 5:30 p.m.. To register in advance, call Jerry 410-836-3506. Line up begins around 4 p.m. The parade winds down Main Street to Shuresville Road in the Historic Village of Darlington. It ends at Francis Silver Park where there will be free entertainment and vendors selling all kinds of fun family food.
It doesn’t get any closer or better than the fireworks display at dusk. Imagine sitting in your beach chair looking straight up at the bombs bursting in air.
The celebration is put on every year by a small group of volunteers. Kira Dare, President of the Darlington Independence Day Celebration Committee, says that she carries on each year because this event was a favorite of her late husband, Rob. “We are a committee of five people and we are so grateful for everyone’s commitment to the community and surrounding neighborhood of the Village of Darlington. We are looking forward to the best year ever!”
New this year, the Boumi Shriners Motorcycle group will be in the parade along with a returning highlight, the Warriors Marching Band of Havre de Grace High School. The Friends of the Darlington Library are the Grand Marshals. The Friends host a monthly used book sale, among other volunteer activities, in support of the Darlington library.
Down at the band shell in the park, the very popular Darlington American Idol Contest will feature last year’s winner, Donna Burke, who will sing the National Anthem. Cash prizes will be awarded for the winners of the 2012 contest.
Even though families are welcome to bring their own picnic, Kira asks those who want to purchase food to patronize the vendors inside the park. These businesses help support the event by donating part of their profits back to help defray costs. The parade and fireworks are free and open to the public, but they are not “free” of cost. Donations can be sent to Darlington Independence Day Celebration at POB 33, Darlington, MD 21034. Visit the Facebook page to ask questions or get more information. Call Jerry at 410-836-3506 to be in the parade. Bring your own chairs or blankets and spend an evening in a sweet spot of Harford country with your family.
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