Branford’s annual Fourth of July celebration remains in the planning stages, but a firm decision was made at the last meeting to hold it on the Greenway again this year.



July 4th is on a Friday in 2003, so many people will have a long weekend, and perhaps will choose to spend it in Branford, with the Independence Day celebration on the banks of the Suwannee River.



The events of the day will be kicked off by the Annual 5K run. It will begin at 8 a.m. on the Greenway, same as last year.



A best dressed patriotic pet contest will be held at 11 a.m. Registration will be from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. This will be under the direction of Edith Eudy. There will be a $5 entry fee. All pets accompanied by their owners will be judged on how well they display their patriotic attire. First place prize is $50; second place $25; third $15 and fourth $10. There will be no early entries, all must register from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on the morning of the fourth. For information contact Edith Eudy at 935-4141.



Oscar Cramer is entertainment chairman and has lined up a variety of talent and entertainment which will take place at the Greenway. Cramer said, “we have a world of talent in this little community of ours and a lot of people will have an opportunity to display it during the day of the Fourth.”



Cramer is also scheduling a number of games and contest. Some for adults and some for younger set.



There will be karoake entertainment and possibly a queen and a king of karoake named. There will be cash prizes to talent winners.



Entertainment on the Greenway will take place throughout the day. Other possible entertainment will be a cake walk, mud wrestling, greased pig, tug o’ war, dunking booth, yodeling contest, sack race and much more. Cramer can be reached at 935-6927 or 935-2662 for talent information.

At 5 p.m. a parade is scheduled that will include a color guard and patriotic marchers. The parade will also include all the newly chosen pageant winners. These will be named on June 7, during pageant ceremonies. To enter contact Michelle McCollum, 208-2447 or 364-4945.

The annual Rotary Club sponsored duck race will be at 1 p.m. on the Suwannee River. More on this at a later date.



Food and craft booth space is available on the Greenway for a $30 registration fee. This will be on a first come first serve basis. For information call after 6 p.m., 935-0021 Peggy Terry or the Branford News at 386-935-1427.



Gilbert Bernardo assisted by the Branford Volunteer Fire Department is in charge of the fireworks that will take place at approximately 9 p.m.



Bernardo said, “I’m excited about this year fireworks. The finale will include a ’50 State Salute’.

The Fourth of July committee is Kathy Woolard, chairman; Shirley Hatch, vice chairman; Peggy Terry, secretary and Michelle McCollum, treasurer.



Mark your calendar for a big celebration on July Fourth on the banks of the Suwannee River.

The next committee meeting will be on May 6, 2003 at 7 p.m. at the Branford Library. Everyone is invited to attend and help with this special event.