The nation’s 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence is fast approaching. The Brandon Independence Day Celebration Committee (BIDCC) is looking for historical figures to be represented in the parade. This year’s theme is “Celebrate What Unites Us.”
Who do you admire from American history? Who would you like to portray or re-enact? What’s your favorite time period from history? Think outside the box.
A group of girls or women might want to portray suffragists. A musician or singer could be on a float singing or playing “The Star Spangled Banner.” Lady Liberty would be a welcome addition. How about portraying Underground Railroad, abolition or civil rights leaders such as Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass or Martin Luther King, Jr.? Or how about some inventors — a Model T owner might want to drive their Model T dressed as Henry Ford!
The committee has a costumer on hand to help with your outfit. If you would like to travel the parade route, BIDCC volunteers are ready to guide you for marching, riding on a float, biking, or traveling in a car.
So far, the parade will feature a number of past American fathers and mothers — those “greats” who had a hand in the formation and growth of our country. Who’s coming to the parade and why are they significant?
• George and Martha Washington — We all remember them, right? George was our first president, serving from 1789 to 1797, and Martha was his wife.
• Betsy Ross — She is traditionally credited with sewing the first American flag in 1776.
• John and Abigail Adams — The nation’s first power couple. John was the second U.S. president, serving from 1797 to 1801, and he and Abigail were married for 54 years. Abigail was known for her sharp intellect, political foresight, and advocacy for women’s rights.
• Thomas Jefferson — Primary author of the Declaration of Independence. Jefferson served as our second vice president from 1797 to 1801 and as our third president from 1801 to 1809.
• Paul Revere — Famous for his “midnight ride,” Revere played a major role at the start of the American Revolutionary War. In 1775, he rode to warn nearby minutemen that British troops were approaching before battle.
• Abraham Lincoln — One of our most famous Presidents, Lincoln served as the 16th president from 1861 until his assassination in 1865. He led the United States through the American Civil War, defeating the Confederate States and playing a major role in the abolition of slavery. Lincoln’s national prominence grew during the famous 1858 Senate campaign debates against Brandon native son Stephen A. Douglas.
• Uncle Sam — A common national personification of the United States, Uncle Sam represents the federal government and the country as a whole. He is a popular symbol of the U.S. government in American culture.
In other BIDCC news, Art Project bags for kids are now available at the Brandon Library. Completed projects will be displayed in town during the festivities.
Bakers should start practicing favorite apple pie recipes — contest details to be released soon.
BIDCC volunteers have been planning loads of fun for this year’s event, which will be held Friday, July 3. Starting with the 10 a.m. parade and ending with fireworks at dusk, the schedule in between will be action-packed. The full schedule will be released soon.
To participate in the parade, please click the link below to print out the application form, or pick one up at the Brandon Town Office, Post Office or Library.
For more information on how you can help with the committee, please contact Chair Jessie Mohan at [email protected] or by phone at 914-629-4820. For more information on participating in the parade, contact Dan Boyce at [email protected].
Parade application link: https://brandon.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/BIDCC-Parade-application-2026-002.pdf
