Looking Ahead to July 4:
Floats, Music, Chili Needed

Plans are underway for another grand Fourth of July holiday in Randolph, according to Lynn Irish, Randolph Area Chamber of Commerce executive director.

This week she encouraged area businesses and individuals to participate in events, including, of course, the parade. Parade entries, will be judged in three categories: businesses, civic groups, and youth.

Champ Radio has once again offered an incentive for businesses to enter a float in the parade, Irish noted.

The station will give away a 10-week weather, news, or sports sponsorship, based on availability (retail value $1500) as a grand prize for a business entry in the parade.

There are two business categories: Corporate includes businesses with 20 or more employees, and the regular business category smaller firms. Cover to Cover Book Store won the advertising package last year.

The civic and youth categories will be judged for first-, second- and third-place winners.

"We are also encouraging everyone to incorporate more music on their floats or entries," Irish said. "Whether it’s from a CD player or live, music makes the parade lively."

Chili Challenge

Champ Radio will also donate a family four-pack of Great Escape tickets and Champ T-shirts to the first-place winner of the Chili Challenge. This is the third year of the event as part of the post-parade festivities.

Amateur chili-makers can enter a pot of their favorite homemade chili. There is no fee to enter, and second- and third-place prizes will also be awarded. Last year, Ana Tatro of South Royalton took top honors with her Puerto Rican chili.

Forms are available at the Randolph Area Chamber of Commerce to enter the parade, have a craft or food booth, enter some chili, or advertise in the supplement.

For more information, call the Chamber at 728-9027.

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