High School Construction Forces Relocation of July 4th Events

Despite the ongoing high school construction project, Wilmington's 33rd Annual Fourth of July Festival will go on as scheduled.

Just not in the same place.

At their meeting on March 11, selectmen heard about revised plans from Scott Garrant, Chairman of the Fourth of July Committee.

The Festival is scheduled to run July 2-7 and will include a carnival, fireworks, games and activities, as well as booths run by many of the community non-profit organizations.

At the Board of Selectmen's meeting, Garrant spelled out a plan to locate activities, rides and booths to a parking lot area near the Fourth of July Building, as well as a parcel of land that was once home to the Swain School, according to article appearing in the Town Crier.

Garrant told selectmen that efforts are being made to minimize any impact on residents living by the new location. Some residents have expressed concerns over noise, possible criminal activity and bright lights late into the evening, according to the Town Crier article.

Town Manager Jeffrey Hull said he feels the plan is something the town can work with. Public safety officials have also signed off on the plan.

Hull said he feels the biggest concerns to be addressed, moving forward with this year's festival, will be parking, traffic and emergency vehicle access.