July 4, 2011. Photo: Anthony Batson

A crowd of more than 20,000 is expected to watch Schroon Lake’s annual 4^th of July Parade, on a day which will feature music and activities from morning ‘til night – capped off by another sensational fireworks show.

There are around 90 participants in this year’s parade, which will feature floats, boats, trucks and cars from locals and business , charitable clubs, churches, volunteer and services organizations. There’ll be plenty of music with marching and pipe bands, as well as the famous Blue Brother’s Band.

And one of the most impressive floats this year is going to be a flat-bed carrying an entire wedding party. Say what? A couple who will be married earlier that day -- and their wedding party all dressed in their full wedding regalia -- will start their new life together in front of 20,000 or so cheering strangers.

“What a way to celebrate your wedding. They asked to have the Blues Brother’s band to be placed behind them,” organizer Kate Huston told Schroon Laker today.

This year Kate will be watching the parade from a very different vantage point. As the recently named Citizen of The Year, that honor also makes Kate the Parade Grand Marshall. “I’m nervous. I’m not used to all the attention.”

Kate and a dedicated band of volunteers have worked tirelessly all year to ensure the success of the parade. They started planning this year’s event soon after last year’s ended.

“While I’m the chairperson of this parade, there are so many people behind the scenes who work magic and make this happen. We couldn’t do this parade without them.

And nor would the parade happen if not for the generous support of donors – from both near and far.

“We get a lot of support from local residents and businesses. But I’m always surprised to see where we get donations from, California, Washington, Florida. It’s amazing what an impact Schroon Lake has on so many people all over the country.”

This year the parade will be called by Paul Bubar of Word of Life, from the porch at Community Church Porch on Main Street.

This year’s action begins at 11am. There will be kids’ activities in the Town Park with a moon bounce, hair braiding and face painting. That’s also the time when the grills are fired up at the famous Lions Club Hot Dog and Burger Shack, and when the sweet smell of barbecue chicken from the Community Church wafts down Main Street.

It’s also the time when the first band, “Hot Pursuit” takes the stage. All of this year’s musical acts will perform on a mobile bandstand which features built in lights and a sound system. It’s the masterpiece of Schroon Laker Robert Lanoue, who built and designed it. The stage will be in a new location this year – at the top of the beach park, and the west side of Leland Avenue.

Other performers include The Gregson Brothers, Loose Connections and Sue Tillotson, who will perform on the porch of the Community Church. At dusk there’s a patriotic concert featuring Word of Life Collegians and performers from the Seagle Music Colony .

The parade kicks off at 6pm and the fireworks go at dark, around 9pm-ish. You can download a full program here, or use the following mini guide below to help you start planning your day. What excites you most about July 4^th in Schroon? Tell us in comments.

9 AM - 8 PM - "Adirondack Raffle” @ Schroon Lake Chamber Office. Sponsored by Schroon Lake Chamber of Commerce

11 AM till sold out - 33rd Annual Chicken Barbeque @ the Community Church, half chicken dinner. $9.00

11 AM - 9 PM - "Art Bucket" - Air Brush Tattoo; Face Painting and Hair Braiding

11 AM - 9 PM - Lions Club Food Tent @ beach area

11 AM - 12 PM - "Hot Pursuit" @ Town Park

12 PM - 5:30 PM - "Bounce Around" - Fun activities for children of all ages @ Town Park by the beach area

12 PM - 2:30 PM -"Loose Connection" @ Town Park

3 PM - Annual Fishing Contest Trophies - Awarded by The Schroon Lake Chamber of Commerce @ Chamber Office

3 PM - 5:30 PM - "Gregson Bros." @ Town Park

4 PM - 6 PM - Music on the Porch of The Community Church, Main Street - Sue Tillitson on keyboard and vocal

5:30 PM - 6 PM - Mini-Concert - "Adirondack Pipes & Drums" - next to Fountain on Main Street and Dock Street

6 PM - ANNUAL PARADE - Leaves Hoffman Road, up Route 9, down Fowler Avenue and onto Leland Avenue to Town Park beach area. The parade will be announced by Paul Bubar of Word of Life, on the Community Church Porch on Main Street.

Dusk - Patriotic Music Concert by the Word of Life Collegians and the Seagle Music Colony @ the Town Park

8 PM - Drawing of raffle winners @ the Chamber Office

Dark - Gala Fireworks Display above Schroon Lake