Are You Ready to Picnic in the Park?

America turns 237 this Fourth of July. For more than 30 of those birthdays, Concordians have celebrated Independence Day with a Picnic in the Park.

The entire town is invited to Emerson Field this Thursday, July 4, for a full day of festivities including music, food, field games and a children’s bicycle parade.

Local nonprofits set up their booths along the central pathway, while families spread out blankets in the field, where parents can keep an eye on the kids and lend an ear to the musical acts that entertain throughout the day. Field games, demonstrations, interactions with the Police and Fire departments and temporary henna tattoos attract children of all ages.

The fun starts at 10 a.m. and continues on through the Concord Band’s performance into the late afternoon.

Here’s a look at the lineup, as it's posted on the town website:

Attractions

10 a.m. – Tethered balloon rides in the Remax balloon (weather-permitting)

11:30 a.m. – Children’s decorated bicycle parade (they line up at 11:15)

12:30 to 1:30 p.m. – Field games

1 to 3 p.m. – Balloon twisting

1 to 1:30 p.m. – Demonstration by K-9 Officer Sylvia Toumayan and her dog Charik

2 to 3 p.m. – Juggling by Peter Panic Juggler

Music

11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Annalivia performs Celtic tunes and the music of Cape Breton

1:30 to 3 p.m. – Bluegrass music from Southern Rail

3:15 to 4:30 p.m. – Concert music by the Concord Band

Also in the Picnic in the Park “Save the Date” posted to the town website was a call for more committee members, volunteers and supporters of this Independence Day tradition.

It says:

"Picnic In the  Park is made possible by donations from individuals known as Picnic Backers as well as  corporate sponsors. Donations will be gratefully accepted and can be sent to Picnic In the Park, P.O. Box 1075, Concord MA 01742. If you are interested in volunteering either before or during the event, please contact Frank Okurowski at frankok@comcast.net."