Although the Inter-Community Celebration Association (ICCA) has cancelled this year’s 4th of July parade, Berlin Borough resident and association Vice President Jennifer Adair-Lafountaine decided to keep with tradition and host a Freedom Walk on the holiday, independent of the organization.
The walk will take place along the same path as the parade, starting at 9 a.m. at the corner of Bate Avenue and Haddon Avenue in Berlin Township, and continuing on the right of the sidewalk. Walkers will cross the street and bridge, and walk on the left side of White Horse Pike in front of the Berlin Borough hall. Then, they will travel to Broad Street, make a right and end at Berlin Park.
The event is free and open to the public. Adair-Lafountaine hopes the walk brings the community together.
“COVID was hard for everybody,” she acknowledged. “With everyone being separated, anything we can do to get back together is important, especially outside.”
If it hadn’t been cancelled, this year would have marked the 74th annual parade; the 73rd event was also cancelled. Although there won’t be any floats or music this year, and participants will travel on the sidewalk rather than taking up the entire street, Adair-Lafountaine hopes the walk will keep the tradition alive. Residents are encouraged to bring signs and celebrate the 4th as they have before.
Organizations are also welcome to attend and participate in the walk. The Church of the Good Shepherd will provide a water station for participants and other organizations have been contacted for help.
Adair-Lafountaine said the ICCA has big plans for next year’s celebration, to mark the 75th year that Berlin Township and borough will have held the parade.The ICCA has already begun planning and seeks volunteers.
“We have officer positions open, regular volunteer positions, and [positions for] that day, she explained. “[Whether someone wants to volunteer for] 15 minutes or a year, I have a position for everybody.”
The level of commitment is up to the volunteer. If interested, visit www.berlinicca.org.
For questions about the Freedom Walk, call Adair-Lafountaine at (856) 625-8983.
