Not Quite Independence Day in Waterbury

Not Quite Independence Day (NQID) is a beloved annual celebration hosted by the Waterbury Rotary Club! The 2024 festivities will be on Saturday, June 29, 2024 and the 2024 theme is a "Celebration of Sports."

Schedule:

3:00 pm - Food & Beer concessions open

• A selection of food vendors, craft & souvenir vendors, and non-profits will be set up around Rusty Parker Park (vendor list coming soon).
• There will a variety of beer and cider for sale by the Rotary. The primary beer sponsor is Lawson's Finest Liquids.
• There will not be any outside alcohol allowed into Rusty Parker Park per state regulations.

3:45 pm - Green Mountain Mile

• Just before the parade begins, the Green Mountain Mile runners take to the streets for this family-friendly fun run.
• The course starts on the access road to the Ice Center, then heads through downtown along Main Street, finishing at the intersection with Stowe St.
• Applicants are encouraged to pre-register for the race by mail (must be received by Thursday, June 27) or on Friday, June 28, from 5-7 pm at Brookside Primary School.
• Race day registration closes at 3:30 pm at the Ice Center.
• Entry fees are $5 for kids (14 and under), $10 for adults.
• Download the registration form here.

4:00 pm - "Celebration of Sports" Themed Parade

• The parade will head North on Main St, starting at the State Complex (South) entrance and finishing at the rail bridge by Dac Rowe Field.
• The central section of Main St from Park Row to Stowe Street gets very busy, so please consider watching from alternate areas to keep everyone nicely spread out.
• Please note that traffic on Main Street will be stopped by 3:30 pm and parking will be blocked off around most of Rusty Parker Memorial Park.
• For information on how to be in the parade, please see below.

5:00 pm - Kids activities begin in Rusty Parker Memorial Park

• Fun games include pig races, ring toss, butterfly balloon burst, fish pong, treasure bricks, and more.
• There will also be face painting!

5:30 pm - Parade award winners announced!

• Join us in Rusty Parker Memorial Park to hear the winners in each category, as well as best overall parade entry.

6:00 pm - Concert by The Tim Brick Band until the fireworks start a little before 9:00 pm

• Concert and other activities will be in Rusty Parker Memorial Park
• A suggested $5 donation per attendee will be requested to help fund the day’s events
• Food and beer sales will continue throughout the concert.

9:00 pm or thereabouts - Fireworks

• The firework display will be visible from all over town, so find a spot with a clear view of the sky behind the State Complex.
• Parking at the State Complex is FREE of charge. Volunteers will ask for a donation to help cover costs for the day's events.
• Parking for the fireworks is available behind the State Office Complex.
• If viewing on the grass at the State Office Complex, please stay behind the signs.
• Exit the fireworks via Park Row (at the light) or State Drive. All those exiting out of State Drive will be directed South on Main Street and can get onto I-89 in Middlesex if necessary.