BRATTLEBORO, VT (MyKeeneNow) Brattleboro is preparing to celebrate America’s 249th birthday in grand style this Friday, July 4, with a full day of festivities spanning downtown streets and Living Memorial Park—complete with a military jet flyover, classic parade, live entertainment, and a fireworks finale.

The town’s beloved “Brattleboro Goes Fourth” tradition marks its 52nd year in 2025, drawing residents and visitors alike for a uniquely local take on Independence Day.

Parade and Flyover Kick Off the Morning

Festivities begin at 9:15 a.m. with the Red Clover Rovers’ annual Firecracker 4-Miler, which winds its way from Living Memorial Park through downtown to the Common.

At 10 a.m., the town’s signature parade steps off from Flat Street, continuing up Main Street and ending at the town Common. Organized by the Brattleboro Elks, the parade will feature marching bands from Brattleboro Union High School and American Legion Post 5, alongside veterans’ groups, youth organizations, and colorful community displays. Children wishing to join on decorated bicycles can gather at 9 a.m. near the Whetstone Pathway by the Brattleboro Food Co-op.

Adding high-flying excitement to the celebration, four F-35 Lightning II jets will soar over downtown at approximately 10:40 a.m., flying north to south over Main Street. The flyover honors local fallen soldier Kyle Gilbert, with the jets using the Kyle Gilbert Memorial Bridge as a navigational point. Brattleboro American Legion Post 5 credited Legionnaire Chad Mulverhill for coordinating the tribute, and thanked the FAA, the Vermont Air National Guard, and the participating pilots for their support.

Afternoon and Evening Fun at Living Memorial Park

Later in the day, the action shifts to Living Memorial Park, just off Western Avenue near Exit 2 of Interstate 91. From 2:30 p.m. through the evening, the Brattleboro Recreation & Parks Department will host concerts, games, and family-friendly entertainment — all free and open to the public.

Featured events include a Small Fry baseball All-Star game at 2:30 p.m., an acrobatic performance by the New England Center for Circus Arts at 5:45 p.m., and live music from The Gaslight Tinkers starting at 7 p.m. The night wraps up with a fireworks display scheduled for 9:30 p.m.

Community Spirit on Display

Thanks to generous donations from local individuals, civic groups, and businesses, the entire day’s programming is free. Lead sponsors include the Brattleboro Elks, C&S Wholesale Grocers, and G.S. Precision, along with more than a dozen additional contributors such as Pine Heights, the Brattleboro Kiwanis Club, Vermont Country Deli, and many others.

Supporters can help keep the tradition alive by mailing donations to “Brattleboro Goes Fourth,” P.O. Box 1112, Brattleboro, VT 05302.

Event organizers will post updates — including weather information — on the Brattleboro Goes Fourth Facebook page at facebook.com/BrattleboroGoesFourth.