Hours before reworks will illuminate the sky, children will fill Bestor Plaza with sounds of patriotism.
Children’s School will begin its annual Fourth of July parade at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 4, and arrive about 10 a.m. on Bestor Plaza.
The children will likely be heard throughout Chautauqua as they blow into noisemakers and sing patriotic tunes. Children’s School attendees will wear patriotic gear and red, white and blue face paint.
When they reach the steps of the Colonnade, the children will be led in singing “This Land is Your Land,” “Battle Hymn of the Republic” and “Yankee Doodle.”
“It shows (the children) it’s great to be part of this country and to see other people’s love for the country.”
-Pie Kasbar, Assistant director, Children’s School
At Children’s School, the duration of the week will be spent learning about America’s Independence Day. The children will read stories inspired by the Fourth of July and will make crafts to celebrate the holiday.
The five-year-olds will paint pictures of American presidents and an American flag with their feet. They will end the week with a “Flag-genger Hunt” around the grounds and baking strawberry shortcakes.
“(The events) connect them with the greater community of Chautauqua and part of the greater nation,” Kasbar said.
