A hoard of volunteers prepare for annual Fourth of July celebration

The famed Warren Fourth of July celebration is a product of many helping hands, coordinated by Susan Klein, director of the Mad River Valley Chamber of Commerce.

"A lot of people help out by taking on small areas," said Klein. For example, Sugarbush organizes afternoon activities and the fireworks in the evening. Steven Butcher helps with the work on the event website. As "Chief Justice," Karen Anderson recruits judges for the parade. Twenty volunteers collect donations and hand out Buddy Badges at the three entrance points to the town. And, of course, many individuals, groups of friends, community organizations and businesses walk, pull, and drive the floats of the parade.

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DIFFERENT PEOPLE

"There are a bunch of different people who do one little thing each," said Anderson. "They just do one job and they do it every year."

Preparations for the Fourth of July begin after Presidents Week. Klein spends about 30 hours organizing the event before July. It is divided into five categories: signage, pre-event coordination, public relations, parade, and post-event.

Organizing the Warren Fourth of July is made easier because of the familiarity of the routine. Many volunteers hold the same responsibilities, year after year. Loyal sponsors continue to support the event. "The vendors are really good," said Klein. "I never have to look for more." This year, parade-goers can look forward to their favorite stands, plus a few more. "No two are selling the same thing. We have everything from samosas to hot dogs."

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BROOKS FIELD

Klein stays busy on July 3 and 4. The day before the parade is spent setting up: posting signs, overseeing the vendors on Brooks Field, and ensuring dumpsters and portolets are in convenient locations.

One of the biggest challenges is setting up the fairground on Brooks Field. Because the area is a leach field, the spots where vendors are allowed to set up are restricted. Klein marks where trucks can drive.

On the day of the parade, Klein does not have a moment to stand still. Her day begins at 6 a.m. From monitoring the stocks of toilet paper to helping Senator Bernie Sanders and Congressman Peter Welch leave the village, she does everything. Her job is made easier with the use of a "glorified golf cart," donated by L.W. Greenwood and Sons. 

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DUMPSTER DIVA

Klein's involvement in the organization of the parade began when she volunteered to be a "Dumpster Diva." She continues to hold that responsibility. "It is my intention to leave the streets cleaner than they were before the parade," she said.

Because tasks are distributed among so many people, volunteers can enjoy the parade. Said Anderson, "All I do is show up in the morning and make some phone calls the week before. It's the best seat in the house!"

"I try to plan something to improve every year," said Klein. This year she is working on the signage. Guests will be reminded of the dollar-or-more donation at the gate as they enter the village. "Please be generous at the gate. This is all coordinated by volunteers."

BROOK ROAD

There will also be signs guiding people from the village to the fairgrounds. "We are asking people to please take the stroll up Brook Road to the school, rather than the path."

Klein also warns parade-goers to arrive early. "Don't wait; it will be worth it to get there early," she said. Buses will be loaded only to legal capacity, so it may take a while to get from the parking areas into town.

"A lot of people just assume it happens," said Klein about Warren's eclectic Independence Day celebration.

Anderson encourages people to get involved in the organization of the event. "Lots of people go to Susan saying, 'You should do this,'" she said. "Really people should say, 'I will do this.'"

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