DOWNINGTOWN — Fourth of July is just around the corner. And communities in Chester County, including Downingtown and Kennett Square, are ready to celebrate.
“We are overjoyed to be welcoming back our ‘Good Neighbor Day’ Fourth of July celebration to Downingtown,” said Phil Dague, mayor.
The Downingtown mayor said this July Fourth people can look forward to the Duck Race, the 5K, the canoe race in addition to rides and vendors, all back for the first time since 2019.
“Unfortunately, the company that had been previously used before to produce the fireworks display was unavailable to us this year, and a substitute could not be found,” Dague said. “There won’t be fireworks, but there’s still plenty to do on the Fourth in Downingtown.”
The mayor said he plans on celebrating the Fourth of July as he always does.
“The car never leaves home on the Fourth, we walk or bike everywhere all day long. As soon as day breaks I make sure that our flags are out. I then walk down to the park to see what’s going on. Sometimes I run in the 5K, sometimes I don’t,” Dague said. “I then help to sell ducks in the annual ‘Duck Race’ with proceeds benefiting the Historic Log House. For the rest of the day I will either be home or at the park.”
On the Fourth of July, the date shall mark 246 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia. At this moment, representatives of the 13 colonies united against British Rule in the New World, sparking the American Revolution War and eventually, victory over tyranny.
“I have a favorite saying of Benjamin Franklin, from his years before the American Revolution,” Dague reflected. “’When you’re good to others, you’re best to yourself.’”When the chips were down, Downingtown’s residents were there for each other in the best ways imaginable. I am so proud of this town, and I will be feeling that on the Fourth.”
And although the nation continues to evolve, the fight for liberty and justice always remains paramount.
“My idea of Liberty is to have the ability to wander through this land, going anywhere that I want to, unencumbered by any person or thing, taking nothing from others nor suffering any injury from others either, and that ability must be shared by absolutely everyone or it works for no one,” Dague said on Friday.
“I am so excited for the Fourth this year and the return of Good Neighbor Day,” Dague said. “A small town is the place to be on Independence Day and nobody does it better than Downingtown.”
Kennett Square
Elsewhere in Kennett Square, many locals, including the mayor and chief of police, are preparing to depart for the beach this Fourth of July to enjoy a holiday weekend with family.
“We have a family reunion planned at the beach. Will spend the week away with extended family,” said Kennett Square Mayor Matthew Fetick said on Friday.
In Kennett, there are no formal Fourth of July events. “We have a big Memorial Day parade in May and the Mushroom Festival in September,” the mayor noted.
Kennett Square was bustling with action 246 years ago.
“We live right in the middle of history,” Fetick said. “Our town was part of the encampment for the Hessians at the beginning of the Revolutionary War. We are living right in the heart of the launch of the war. I enjoy walking through town and looking at the landmarks including Hessian Hill and talking about it with my kids.”
For the mayor of Kennett Square, the word “Liberty” means “the opportunity to pursue the life I choose with my family,” he said.
Like the mayor, Chief William Holdsworth of the Kennett Square Police Department shall celebrate the Fourth of July with family while enjoying some time at the beach.
And while there are no scheduled events planned on the Fourth of July in Kennett Square, the chief said, “My hopes are that our community members all take a moment to reflect on the independence of our great country and the many freedoms that have allowed all of us to enjoy. Enjoy the day with friends and family and take time to breathe, unwind, and relax.”
A message from the Kennett Square Police would be a reminder that even though Pennsylvania state law has allowed for the purchase and use of fireworks under certain conditions, they are not permitted to be used, ignited, or deployed in the Borough of Kennett Square by local ordinance, the chief noted.
“We ask that everyone abide by this restriction for the health and safety reasons which prohibit the use in the Borough of Kennett Square,” he said.
“I was always moved by a statement from John Adams — ‘Posterity! You will never know how much it cost the present generation to preserve your freedom. I hope you will make a good use of it.’ This is a great reminder of all those before us have done to allow for what we now have,” Holdsworth said.
“To me, Liberty is the right, freedom, or ability to do as we please, as long as that is allowable under law and does not negatively impact our society,” the chief said.
