Celebrate the founding of America on the Fourth

In honor of the 400th anniversary of the founding of Jamestown, the theme of Brandermill’s annual Fourth of July parade is “Happy Birthday Virginia.” Come join friends and neighbors for what promises to be an exciting celebration. Many familiar faces will march through Brandermill, along with new parade participants, including the four-legged variety.

Pets on Parade

This year, thanks to Eagle Scout candidate Eric Ahles, Brandermill pets are invited to gussy up and join the Fourth of July parade. Ahles, an international baccalaureate student at Midlothian High School and a member of Boy Scout Troop 2890 at The Brandermill Church is incorporating the need for pet adoption into his Eagle Scout project. Ahles believes a pet parade will bring attention to the plight of orphaned pets at the Richmond SPCA that deserve a good, loving home. Ahles asks residents to consider donations of pet items including cat and dog toys; kitten and puppy food; dog and cat food; new or used cat and dog crates; cat and dog beds; catnip; scratching posts; rawhide; new or used leashes and collars; dog harnesses; and gift certificates to pet stores to benefit the animals at the Richmond SPCA. The donated items will be collected at the end of the parade in Sunday Park.

Parade Participants

The annual BCA-sponsored Fourth of July Parade is known for its colorful, patriotic participants and this year’s parade will be no exception. Cove Ridge resident and longtime BCA volunteer Mark Smith will serve as grand marshal.

Parade participants will line up at Swift Creek Middle School beginning at 8:30 a.m. At 10 a.m., the parade will travel down Millridge Parkway to Sunday Park.

For the 24th year, McTyre’s Cove resident Deb Braun will line up parade marchers. “We need volunteers to help along the parade route, and we need parade participants,” says Braun. “Anyone can be in the parade—participation is open to all Brandermill residents and their friends and families.”

Those who will march in the parade include: Doctors of Jazz; Greater Richmond Pipes and Drums; members of the U.S. Armed Forces; Chesterfield County officials and fire and police department representatives; clowns; and Uncle Sam.

Parade participants may walk, or ride in cars or trucks, Braun adds. Please call the BCA at 744-1035×104 to register as a parade participant or to volunteer.

Prizes will be awarded to participants for most original entry with music; best family entry; and best neighborhood entry.

To register a pet for the Patriotic Pet Parade, please call the Brandermill Community Association at 744-1035 or Eric Ahles at 744-1883.

Sunday Park Festivities

After the parade winds its way to Sunday Park, all parade participants and spectators are invited to enjoy refreshments and family entertainment. DJ Dan Rucker will provide music, and Boy Scout Troop 2890 will serve free hotdogs and soda. Members of the Brandermill Retired Men’s Club will once again serve up slices of cold watermelon. Face painting; a dunking booth; spin art; and Jonathan the Juggler are sure to draw children of all ages.

Roads Closed

The following neighborhoods from Swift Creek Middle School to Sunday Park will be affected temporarily during the parade: Quail Hill, Pebble Creek, Poplar Grove, Old Fox Trail, Winterberry Ridge, Northwich, Gleneagles, Heritage Woods, and Timber Ridge.

Fireworks in Sunday Park

Brandermill’s spectacular Fourth of July fireworks display will close out the celebration with a bang. Bring a chair and sit back and enjoy a pyrotechnic extravaganza. Fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m. No personal fireworks are permitted. Rain date is July 5.