Wednesday, June 09, 2010
Fourth of July tradition in New Harmony is free and family-friendly
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Historic New Harmony will mark its 196th Fourth of July very much the way Independence Day was celebrated during the early 19th century - with patriotic speeches, flag presentations, music, and a picnic featuring free (root) beer. The festivities are family-friendly, fun, and free. The celebration will begin at 12:30 p.m. on July 4th at the Atheneum/Visitors Center with a reading of the Declaration of Independence by New Harmony resident Curt Schmitt, and keynote address titled "The New Connected Community" by sixth-generation Hoosier and global entrepreneur Kent Parker. The New Harmony Community Choir performance, and a recitation of the poem "Old Glory" round out the hour-long formal program. Festivities continue, rain or shine, with the popular decorated golf cart parade, and a community picnic in Maclure Park. Bob Minnette and the Dixieland Society will provide live music, and, in the tradition of New Harmony's founders, free root beer will be served. Picnic food and desserts will be available for purchase, the proceeds of which offset the costs of the party. Children's games and an old-fashioned cupcake walk are planned for fair weather. New Harmony's Traditional Fourth of July celebration is sponsored by the New Harmony Kiwanis, the Friends of the Workingmen's Institute, and Historic New Harmony. The events are free and the public is welcome. The public also is invited to attend the annual fireworks display sponsored by New Harmony Artists' Guild with underwriting by Kent and Laurie Parker. The launching site for the fireworks will be north of town near the Wabash River, and will take place just after dark. The best location to spread out a blanket and see the show will be announced at the Independence Day program. About the keynote speaker: Kent Parker is Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President of Ariba, Inc. (NASD: ARBA), based in Sunnyvale, California. Parker holds a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Evansville and an MBA from the Amos Tuck School of Business Administration at Dartmouth College. His diverse roles in the areas of engineering, operations, and business management, include helping build and grow Caribou Coffee Company as a member of the founding management team, and serving as an Executive Officer at FreeMarkets, Inc., a publicly traded supply management services and software company. |
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