Kai Degner for City Council

Smart Growth | Citizen Involvement | Fresh Ideas
July 6th, 2008

July 4th was a blast!

Thanks to everyone who helped get out the word at Valley 4th, Harrisonburg’s July 4th celebration - we had a blast! With the new, beautifully-designed postcards, rally signs, and lapel stickers we introduced the campaign to hundreds, if not thousands. I personally enjoyed walking the parade route and seeing so many familiar faces and meeting so many others!

As part of my role with the Arts Council of the Valley, I was on the steering committee for the celebration, joining Councilman Charlie Chenault in following Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance’s lead in planning and implementing the largest downtown event of the year. This gives me insight into the enormous community effort it takes to pull off the region’s signature July 4th event. From the city firefighters, police, and crews to the generous local business sponsors to the talented artists, artisans, and reenactors to the dozens and dozens of volunteers to the veterans’ and civic groups in the parade to the thousands of attendees who danced in the rain, Valley 4th is a wonderful showcase of Harrisonburg’s community spirit and collaborative leadership.