Sunbury plans festive Fourth of July parade honoring local veterans and community spirit

Sunbury's upcoming Fourth of July celebration is set to be a vibrant community event, featuring a parade, food trucks, and a variety of family-friendly activities. The City Council meeting on July 2, 2025, highlighted key preparations for the festivities, emphasizing safety and community involvement.

The parade, scheduled to start at 10:00 AM, will honor World War II veteran Carl Stroup as the grand marshal, alongside local figures such as football coach Wally Delon and principal Jared Runcy. Organizers expect around 80 entries, although they anticipate a lower turnout due to the holiday falling on a Friday. To ensure safety during the parade, volunteers wearing red vests will be stationed to help manage crowd control, particularly in high-traffic areas.

In addition to the parade, the celebration will feature nine food trucks and an elaborate kids' zone at the middle school, offering free activities including inflatables and a glow foam party. A DJ will provide entertainment throughout the evening, culminating in a fireworks display. Organizers are encouraging community members to volunteer, especially for safety roles, to enhance the event's success.

The meeting also acknowledged the generous support from local sponsors, including Blue Birch Construction and the VFW, which will host a special activity for children to create bracelets for veterans. This collaboration underscores the strong community spirit in Sunbury, as residents and businesses come together to make the event possible.

As the Fourth of July approaches, the City Council is focused on ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all attendees, reinforcing the importance of community engagement in local celebrations.