Opportunities abound for celebrating Independence Day, Harford Mutual sponsors fireworks in 2009

Harford Mutual Insurance President Steve Linkous (left) and Don Stewart, Bel Air Independence Day Committee chairman mark the insurance company’s becoming the new premier sponsor of the town’s July 4 festivities and sponsor of the fireworks display.

Fun festivities (mostly free!) are planned to celebrate America’s birthday July 4. In Harford County, Bel Air takes the lead, with Harford Mutual onboard as the new sponsor for the famed fireworks show. Take note: locations for several traditional events in Bel Air have been changed this year.

Thanks to inter-city cooperation, patriotic persons can party from June 27- July 5 and not miss a thing! Here’s the line-up:

June 27:  Darlington Independence Day Parade. The parade will start at 5:30 p.m. at
Route 1 and Castleton Road.

July 1-5: Carnival in Havre de Grace’s Tydings Park.

July 4: Bel Air Independence Day Celebration
6:45 a.m. Flag Raising Ceremony, Bel Air Middle School (new location)
7 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Pancake Breakfast, Bel Air Middle School Gym  (new location)
8:30 a.m. Horseshoe Pitching, Rockfield Ball Park, registration begins 8 a.m.
9 a.m. Hamster Races, Shamrock Park, registration 8:45 a.m.
9:30 a.m.-noon Hays House tours
9:30 a.m. Turtle Derby, Shamrock Park, registration 8:45 a.m.
10 a.m., Catherine St. Consort patriotic concert, Hays House
10:30 a.m. Great Bel Air Frog Jumping Contest, Shamrock Park, registration 10 a.m.
11 a.m. Uncle Sam Says, Shamrock Park, by age
11 a.m. Bicycle Registration and Rodeo, Parking Lot across from Library, by age
11:30 a.m. Watermelon Eating Contest, Shamrock park, by age
6 p.m. Bel Air 4th of July Parade, North Main Street (new route)
9:30 p.m. Fireworks sponsored by Harford Mutual, Rockfield Manor, rain date July 5

July 5: Havre de Grace Independence Day Celebration
2 p.m. Parade, Union Avenue
7 p.m. Concert, Tydings Park
9:15 p.m. Fireworks, Tydings Park

July 5: Edgewood/Joppatowne Independence Day Parade. The parade will start at 6 p.m. at the Edgewood Boys and Girls Club.