**New for 2013: Philippine Heritage Marching Band**

The planning for the 2013 July 4th Parade -- one of the hottest days on Schroon Lake's Fun Summer calendar -- starts each year on cold freezing days in our hamlet during the short, dark days of January.

That's when Kate Huston, the organizer in chief of Schroon's 4th of July Parade starts making calls to potential parade participants.

And on the top of her list this year, like year’s gone by, was getting a top flight marching band -- a very hard act to secure on a day where they are in huge demand.

But as luck would have it this year, a band actually called Kate, looking for a gig.

"I am very excited about having the 100 piece Philippine Heritage Marching Band for the parade," Kate told Schroon Laker today.

"It's the biggest marching band we have ever had,” she said of the group, which is based in Toronto.

Fife and drum bands are easy to secure, but a band of this size is hard to come by”.

So just how did the band end up in the Schroon parade?

"They had two other gigs that day and had space for us. They knew of the reputation of our parade and wanted to be part of it.

Back again, by popular demand, will be the crazy, over the top Funky Karnaval Percussion Comic Act, who made their Schroon Lake July 4 parade debut last year and quickly, became a crowd favorite.

"I kept getting calls about them coming back this year," Kate said.

Dozens of local service organizations, churches, fire departments, antique car enthusiasts and local businesses will also take part.

Before the parade, downtown will be hopping with a kid friendly fun area and live music for all.

At the Town Park there will be a Bouncy House, Kids Art Bucket and new for this year, a climbing wall.

At the mobile music band stand, the day kicks off at 11 am with Mark Piper, followed by Hot Pursuit at 12 noon and the Gregson Brothers at 3pm.

The parade starts at 6 pm at the staging area near the Town Garage on Hoffman Road and winds its way north up Route 9. The parade is led by the Essex County Sheriff, followed by a color guard, before our proud, area veterans. Fireworks begin at dusk and this year are launched from a barge on the lake!

The Seagle Music Colony Class of 2013 and the Word of Life Collegians will provide patriotic music leading up to big show.

What are you most looking forward to this July 4th?

Share with us in our comments section.