Raymond desires to recognize community with July 4th celebration - By Michelle Libby

The Town of Raymond and the Raymond Revitalization Committee (RRC) decided to see if the community would welcome a Fourth of July celebration in town, and the response thus far has been positive. 
 

President of the RRC Carrie Colby said that she’s gotten a good response after only a few days from organizations like the Lion’s Club, Boy and Girl Scouts and the PTO as well as other local groups. “Obviously it’s going to build. We’re in the very early planning stages,” Colby said. “It takes people to decide and go forward.”

The town is ready to do what it can to help and the planners hope that local businesses will see this as an opportunity to get involved and bring attention to their businesses. 

“We’ll offer something for families and the community and highlight businesses,” said Danielle Loring, who works for the town.

The hope is to have a parade at the minimum, but to include fireworks, booths with a carnival like atmosphere, a 5K and more. The event can be whatever the volunteers want it to be. 

“We have nothing,” said Colby. “We used to have a Founder’s Day maybe 10 years ago.” 

Surrounding towns have summer events to recognize their communities and celebrate with their neighbors, this seemed like the perfect time to have the Raymond celebration, said Colby. The Raymond Fire Department will help with the parade, she said, since public works has the holiday off.

Most of the events would likely take place at Sheri Gagnon Park, according to Loring. The parade would not go on Route 302, but instead possibly travel down Mill Street, past the Raymond Village Library and end at the public safety building. 

The event does not have a budget this year, so the town will rely on businesses to sponsor things like dunk tanks or a bounce houses. Loring hopes businesses will be creative. 

“Something like this raises awareness and gives back to the residents and the community. We’re open minded to anything,” Loring said.  

The first planning meeting will be March 13 at 6 p.m. at the Raymond Public Safety building, 1443 Roosevelt Trail. Everyone is welcome. Keep up with the event on Facebook under RaymondfourthofJuly.