Chicken BBQ Axed from Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration Due to Parking Issues

The 30th anniversary of the James "Dutch" Fogarty Independence Day Celebration will take place next Saturday, July 6, 2013, at Manchester Community College - but it will not include the usual chicken barbecue beforehand, due to construction at one of the parking lots on the Manchester Community College campus. 

"Parking is expected to be a major problem this year due to the shutting down of Parking Lot B at the top of the hill. Due to major reconstruction of that parking lot, parking will be at a minimum and available in Parking Lot C, accessible by Wetherell Street and Hillstown Road to Great Path. A special area has been designated for handicapped parking halfway between Parking Lot C and the Band Shell hill. It is highly recommended that the public come early to access parking," Barbara Mozzer and Scott Garman, co-chairs of the committee that organizes the celebration, said in a statement. 

"Because of the anticipated smaller crowd, the chicken barbecues has been eliminated from this year's program but will return next year. The committee realizes the barbecue is a tradition for many families and apologizes for this unfortunate decision." 

There will be other food available for purchase at the event, including hot dogs, hamburgers, nachos, soda and ice cream. 

The event starts at 4 p.m. and will include free children's activities - including face painting, a petting zoo and clowns - and live music, beginning with the Bamblusion Band on the state of the Bicentennial Bandshell. 

The fireworks display is scheduled to begin at 9:30 p.m.