Juniata County village plans traditional Independence Day

EAST WATERFORD - Travel north to the East Waterford, Juniata County, carnival grounds for a traditional small-town Independence Day Monday, July 4, featuring an outdoor breakfast, a horseshoe tournament, homemade ice cream, gospel music, a petting zoo and a July 4 parade touted as the area's largest.

A flea market will start the morning at 8 a.m. Space permitting, vendors can register from 6-8 a.m. to participate.

Breakfast will be available from 7-10 a.m., served by Lack-Tuscarora EMS.  If the weather is less than cooperative, breakfast will be served during that time slot at the Lack-Tuscarora EMS building just a short walk from the flea market area.

Registration ($10) for the horseshoe tournament will start at 8 a.m.  There will be both singles and doubles competition.

A car show is planned, featuring motorcycles, trucks, vintage and antique vehicles. Registration is 9-11 a.m. and the show will be open to the public from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.  Awards will be given at the bandstand immediately following "the area’s largest parade," which starts at 3 p.m.

Homemade food by the East Waterford Presbyterian Church will be served starting at 11 a.m.  Food stands will be serving five flavors of homemade ice cream, barbecued chicken, hot sausages, French fries, homemade pies and other treats.

A kids’ zone entertainment area will offer inflatable T-ball and basketball for younger kids and bounce houses for the older ones. The Juniata County Dairy Princess will be in kid’s zone with giveaways.

The petting zoo will include a calf, goat, llama, miniature donkeys and a returning favorite, Patrick the camel. Everyone is invited to the dunking booth to try to give Pastor John a sudden splash into the tank of water.

Parade registration will be 1:30-2:30 p.m. and the procession steps out at 3 p.m. Car show entries are welcome to participate. Cash prizes will be given to first place winners in each category, and a grand prize trophy will be awarded to the best overall entry. Early registration forms are available now at any of East Waterford’s local merchants.. Parade categories are:  religious; patriotic; comical; individual; organization; antique vehicle.

Bring a lawn chair to sit in the shade of the bandstand and listen to free musical entertainment throughout the day and after the parade.  Performance schedules are: 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., Randy Simpson; 11:40 a.m., 1:30 and 4:20 p.m., The Masters; 12:20, 2 and 4:40 p.m., The Millers.

East Waterford is on state Route 75 in Juniata County.