Brandon – you shined all day long! And what a day it was. Although it was a little sticky out there, the weather cooperated beautifully. Brandon’s residents and visitors had a plethora of safe and entertaining activities to please a crowd. And the crowd was pleased!
The committee members who put it all together have literally been working since the day after the 2025 celebration. And the committee cannot do it without the community — from cold hard cash sponsorships and donations to time and effort.
While there is a long, long list of people, organizations and companies to thank, at the top of the list are the Brandon volunteer firefighters. Not only did they catch the ducks after the duck race, but they were the ones who put on the fabulous fireworks show and kept it safe! Without them, Brandon would not have had fireworks this year — our nation’s 250th — due to skyrocketing costs from our long-standing vendor. You showed up, Dunmore Hose Company. Three cheers!
Sending a huge thanks to the voters of Brandon for the town appropriation approved at Town Meeting Day. There were scores of business donations to the Silent Auction, a big part of our fundraising efforts. In addition, thanks to our community partners: Brandon Rec Department, Brandon Police Department, Brandon Area Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Brandon Alliance. Shout-out to our business friends for their in-kind contributions: Red Clover Ale, National Bank of Middlebury, Neshobe Golf Course, The Brandon Inn, Brandon Lumber and Jam Man Entertainment. And of course, all the families, organizations, businesses, politicians and entertainers who made the event safe and fun! Finally, thank you to everyone who came out and demonstrated this year’s special national anniversary and our theme. Celebrate what unites us. Let’s keep that spirit alive!
Thanks to all of you who purchased Ducks and 50/50 raffle tickets. A lucky winner took home $100 from the Duck Race and one lucky Brandon resident is now +$1,400 wealthier for taking a chance on the 50/50!
A note of gratitude to retiring Swiss Roll Eating Contest guru Jim Leary for his years of service. Jim created a cult-like following for this silly and entertaining part of the day. Got some ideas for something you’d like to champion next year? Let’s hear from you. While long-standing committee members Susan Stone and Bobbie Torstenson both announced their retirement after last year’s event, neither was able to stay away and both continued to serve!
This year’s event had a cast of many new volunteers and some key ol’-timers! It literally takes a village. We would be remiss not to mention the hard decision to change the parade from Saturday to Friday. We know it did not please everyone. Rest assured, next year the celebration will be back on the traditional Saturday before the 4th. It will be held on July 3, 2027.
If you would like to be a part of planning that event, please consider joining in the fun. It is hard work, but also lots of fun! Contact Jessie Mohan at jessica.m.mohan @ gmail.com to see how you can help. It’s fun, rewarding and a terrific way to meet new friends and neighbors!
Got any good photos of the day’s activities — parade, street dance, fireworks or party behind the Inn? Post them to https://www.facebook.com/BIDCC or email them to: vermonteyecandy @ gmail.com.
s/ The Brandon Independence Day Celebration Committee
