The Independence Day celebrations kick off early this weekend in Darlington.
A parade will wind its way through the small town beginning at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, ending at Francis Silver Park. The parade will feature the Havre de Grace Warriors marching band, which Darlington Independence Day Celebration Committee President Kira Dare said the group is "really excited about."
"We're thrilled to have them again return to our parade," she said earlier this month.
Once the parade ends at Francis Silver, Dare, said the third annual Darlington Idol contest will commence, featuring local singers who can win cash prizes.
Darlington Volunteer Fire Company is also raffling off a Harley Davidson motorcycle; the winner will be revealed by the newly announced Darlington Idol.
The park will also feature vendors with pit beef, funnel cakes, ice cream and more, Dare said, adding that those vendors support the celebration committee. There will also be music and the awards for parade winners.
At dark, usually around 9:20 p.m. Dare said, the fireworks will begin in the park.
"Come join us for what still remains a small town family event," she said.
The rain date for the fireworks will be Sunday, same time.
Upcoming celebrations
• Edgewood's parade is next, starting at 6 p.m. on July 2 from the Boys and Girls Club to Deerfield Elementary School. No rain date.
• Havre de Grace is hosting a parade at 2 p.m. on July 3 from Warren Street on Union Avenue to Millard Tydings Memorial Park. At 7 p.m. the concert will begin, followed by fireworks at dark, both of which in Tydings Park. No rain date.
• Kingsville's celebration will start at 10 a.m. on July 4 with pre-parade music before the parade starts at the Kingsville Volunteer Fire Company at 10:50 a.m. No rain date.
• Bel Air finishes up the festivities with a parade on July 4 at 6 p.m. starting at the "Welcome to Bel Air Sign," followed by fireworks around 9:30 p.m. launched from Rockfield Park. The rain date for the fireworks is July 5, same time.