Planning is well underway for Shepherdstown’s Independence Day parade and community picnic, which will be held on Friday, July 4.

Groups and organizations are being recruited now to participate in the parade. Emails providing details are being sent to groups and organizations that have participated in the past. Others can sign up or get additional information by contacting Peter Smith at 304-876-1139 or pvsmith@frontiernet.net.

The times and places for the parade and picnic will be the same as last year.

The parade will be held starting at 11:00 a.m. on German Street downtown. It will begin at Church Street and end at Princess Street.

The picnic will be held right afterward, from 12 to 3 p.m., in the pavilion at Morgan’s Gove Park just south of town.

Everyone will be welcome at both events and admission will be free.

The picnic will include children’s activities and there will be live music in the pavilion. Hamburgers, hot dogs, chips and non-alcoholic beverages will be for sale. All proceeds from those sales will be used to help cover event costs.

Full details will be announced later.

The parade and picnic are organized annually by the Rotary Club of Shepherdstown. The goal is to provide a wholesome, family-oriented Fourth of July celebration for the town.