Ocean Park Independence Day Parade will take place on July 4

The 75^th annual Ocean Park Independence Day has been moved back to July 4.

The Ocean Park Independence Day parade is a popular July 4 celebration in Ocean Park, a Chautauqua community in Old Orchard Beach with educational, spiritual, recreational and cultural programs and activities.

Last month, it was announced that the parade would be held on July 6 this year, as the town of Old Orchard Beach would not be able to provide the public safety support to hold the event on July 4, which falls on a Saturday this year.

Town Manager Diana Asanza said at Tuesday night’s Town Council meeting that she had received many emails regarding the change of date. She said that after internal discussions she and other town officials were working with the Ocean Park Association to assure the parade would take place on July 4, as it has in the past.

Volunteers, including town staff, town councilors, and local community members, will receive training through the police department and will assist in traffic control during the parade.

“We are confident that the parade will proceed smoothly and safely,” said Asanza.

Asanza acknowledged Town Councilor Kenneth Blow for helping get volunteers for the parade, and thanked him and other town councilors as well as the police chief and the Ocean Park Association director for their collaboration.

Ocean Park Association Director Fran Day said on Thursday that she and the parade director had met that day with town officials and confirmed that the parade would take place at 10 a.m. on July 4.

“The decision was made to hold it on the traditional day, and we are truly appreciative and grateful,” said Day. “It took everybody working together to find a solution.”

Those who wish to participate in the parade must register beforehand. Registration forms are available at the Ocean Park Association office.

Other activities on July 4 will include a bicycle decorating competition, an art sale by Saco Bay Artists, an Ocean Park Band concert, a corn hole competition, line dancing, a children’s scavenger hunt and a 250^th birthday of America celebration with cake. For more information and times, go to the Ocean Park website.

Saco Bay News Publisher Liz Gotthelf can be reached at newsdesk@sacobaynews.com.