Eldersburg Hometown 4th of July Parade and Carnival
July 3, 2009
Eric Villard

Eldersburg residents have a variety of ways to celebrate the 4th of July. From fireworks to backyard parties, there's no shortage of enjoyment. One event, in the Eldersburg area for about 14 years, is the Harvest Farms development's 4th of July parade and carnival.

The neighborhood is located off of Ridge Road, across from Quail Meadow. It is about one mile south of the Ridge Road, Liberty Road intersection. And this isn't just a small time get-together - past years have seen about 200 people in attendance, according to Michele Carroll, a resident of the development since 1995.

Let the festivities begin

Carroll is excited to get this year's celebration underway. "The event is a neighborhood favorite, year after year," she said. "We have a large area perfect for the event - tennis courts, parking lot, and basketball courts with a tot lot right in the neighborhood. It's a nice flat area and can hold a large number of people."

According to Carroll, people begin to gather at an intersection in the neighborhood between 9:30 and 10 a.m. in a very celebratory and colorful manner. "Kids decorate their bikes, scooters, and wagons in red, white, and blue streamers & stars and the like," she explained. "Some folks decorate their babies' strollers; some even decorate their dogs."

Around 10 a.m. everyone involved in the parade lines up behind a Sykesville / Freedom Fire Department fire truck, she said, before the truck turns on its sirens and moves along the roughly ¼ mile parade route. When the truck is done with its brief jaunt the firemen typically open it up so the children can explore it and try on gear.

"Last year the fire company entertained folks by raising and lowering the long ladder," Carroll said.

But that's not all

The parade ends at a playground area in the neighborhood, but that's just the start of the events. Carroll said included in this play area is a moon bounce, pony rides, face painting, carnival games, Rita's Italian Ice, popcorn and other food. On top of this there are organized competitions such as sack races, three-legged races and water balloon tosses.

"Sometimes our local remote control car expert - I mean that - has brought out some of his cars and set them up in the tennis court area for the kids to race around," Carroll mentioned.

Looking to beat the July heat? No worries - the neighborhood is prepared. According to Carroll one of the residents offers their hose to help cool down. The festivities last until noon.

The hand behind the festivities

Of course such a large event requires planning and coordination. Carroll said the event is discussed and the jobs divvied up at Harvest Farm's monthly homeowners' association meetings. The chores range from making arrangements with the fire department to purchasing the food. Specific duties include scheduling the pony rides, purchasing game prizes, running the contests and games, and, of course, cleaning up after the fact.

But all the effort is worth it. "This is something that our kids look forward to every single year - it's a blast and a great way for the community to come together in a social setting," Carroll said. "The 4th of July events in Harvest Farms really add value to our lives here."

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