The ladies helped to start the first library, arts festival and senior citizen’s club.  They ran the Swap Shop consignment store from 1941 to 2002 with an all volunteer staff and plowed the proceeds into a building fund for a clubhouse which they built in 1959.  In December, 2012, the WCC donated their beloved  clubhouse to the Catonsville Community Foundation.

On April 2, 2013, the ladies gathered for a final photograph sporting the Catonsville “Line of Chair” shirts.  Kim Dacey of WBAL Channel 11 recorded the event on film.  This picture will be used in the 4th of July program book.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

PARADE SPECTATORS QUESTIONS

Q: What day is the 4th of July on?

A: Believe it or not, this is one of the most frequently asked questions of the Catonsville 4th of July Committee.  The parade is always held on July 4th unless the holiday falls on a Sunday, then it is moved to July 3rd.  This won’t happen again until 2021, so you are safe showing up on July 4th until then.

 Q: What time does the parade start?

A: 3:00 p.m. on July 4^th

Q: Where is the parade route?

A: The parade lines up on Montrose Ave. and enters in the 1600 block of Frederick Road (near Matthews 1600 Restaurant).  It proceeds down to the 700 block of Frederick Road and makes a right onto Bloomsbury Ave.  The parade ends at the Bloomsbury Center (old Catonsville Middle School).

Important  note:  We are asking residents who are not involved in the parade to stay off the Montrose Avenue portion of the parade route after 2:15 p.m.  We know it is fun to watch the line-up but we need spectators to wait until the parade comes down Frederick Road.  Everyone’s safety is at stake with buses, small children and vehicles trying to get to their spot.  Help us out and stay off Montrose Ave.

Q: How long is the parade route?

A: The parade route is 1.1 miles.

Q: How long will the parade last?

A: The parade will last between 1 ½ – 2 hours for spectators.

Q: Are there bathrooms facilities available?

A: There are no bathroom facilities along the parade route.  There are a few Bobby’s Potty’s on Montrose Ave. but these are primarily for the use of parade participants and marching bands

Q: Where can I park for the parade?  Is handicapped parking available?

A: There are no parking lots or other special/handicapped parking accommodations available for the parade.  We suggest that you park on one of the side streets off Frederick Road between Dutton and Ingleside Avenues.  If you want to park near the parade route, we suggest that you arrive at the parade route early, no later than 2 p.m.  If you are assisting elderly or handicapped individuals, you may want to consider patronizing one of the Catonsville’s downtown restaurants before and during the parade for easy access to parking, food, drink, bathroom facilities and air conditioning.  Handicapped parking is available for the fireworks on the top lot near the high school cafeteria.

Q: What type of beverages can we bring to the parade? What is the alcoholic beverage policy for the parade?

A: The parade route can be very hot so we strongly suggest that you bring plenty of water or other non-alcoholic drinks. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited.

Q: Are dogs allowed on the parade route?

A: Leave your pets at home as loud bands, sirens, firecrackers and confusing pedestrian traffic can really stress your pet. More frightened pets are lost on July 4th than any other day of the year. Leave them home in the quiet of an air conditioned room.

Q: Which streets will be closed and at what time?

A:  To accommodate parade and fireworks events, the following streets will be closed

• Montrose, Ivanhoe, Idlewylde, Seminole and Ridge Avenues will be closed at 1 p.m. There is no parking along these roads after 1 p.m.
• To accommodate the parade, Frederick Road will be closed between Dutton Ave. and Ingleside/ Bloomsbury Avenues beginning at 2 p.m. and all side roads off of Frederick Road will be blocked.  Traffic on Frederick Rd. will be detoured off Frederick Road and onto Edmondson Avenue at Delrey Ave. on the east and Rolling Road on the west.     Frederick Road will close at 2 p.m. as will access to Bishop’s Lane and St. Timothy’s Lane.  Bishop’s Lane will be closed to thru traffic, as there is no outlet at Bloomsbury Ave, at the parade route.
• Rolling Road will be open during the parade, but all traffic will be detoured to side streets and/or turned around and detoured back to Rolling Road, so you can expect major gridlock after 2 p.m.  If you are traveling north or south, consider using the Beltway from Wilkens to Edmondson instead of Rolling Road.  Follow the detour signs.  Valley Road  between Rolling and Hilltop will be closed from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. for the fireworks celebration.  Valley and Hilltop Roads will be completely shutdown at 7 p.m. and will reopen at approximately 10 p.m.   

Q: I’m planning a large picnic at my house on July 4^th and I live in Oak Forest, Bishop’s Lane (or another nearby neighborhood).  Will my guests be able to get to my house?

A:  We strongly encourage you to tell your guest to arrive at your house by 1 p.m.  We cannot guarantee that they will be able to get up your street as marching bands will be staged on some and volunteers will be blocking others.

PARADE PARTICIPANT QUESTIONS

Q: How much does it cost to be in the parade?

Non-business entries are charged a $50.00 registration fee and business entries are $200.00.  For more information and an application, visit http://www.catonsvillecelebrations.org/register/index.php

Q: We are in the parade.  What time should we arrive and where should we go?

A: Staging of all parade entries is on Montrose Avenue.  We ask that parade participants arrive no later than 2:00 p.m.  Frederick Road closes down at 2 p.m. and traffic gridlocks making it impossible to drive near Montrose Ave. Please refer to the check in map and directions under the parade tab.  If you are dropping off parade participants after 2 p.m., you may want to drop them off near Opie’s Snowballs in the 1600 block of Edmondson and have them walk up the #8 Streetcar Path which is 1/3 mile paved trail.

Q: How do we “check-in” when we arrive at the parade?

A: The parade-entry “check-in” table is located at the corner of Tredegar and Montrose Avenues.  The band check in is at Park Grove and Montrose.  Signs are posted along S. Rolling Road directing you to the appropriate check in area.

Q. Should every member of our parade group go through “check-in”?

A: No, please pre-select one person from your group to handle the “check in” process and obtain your space assignment and last minute instructions.  Other members of your group should not go through check-in process. If you are just dropping off parade participants, do not go through the check-in line.      

Q: We are in the parade.  How do we get back to the beginning of the parade route?

A: We recommend that you plan on walking back to the beginning of the parade.  Again, traffic is gridlocked before, during and after the parade and the fastest way to get around is on foot.

Q: At the end of the parade route at the Bloomsbury Center, where should we park our buses, vehicles and trailers so that we can load up after the parade?

A: Committee members will direct large vehicles, such as buses and trailers, to the parking area at the Bloomsbury Center. Cars and small trucks should use on-street near the parade terminus.  Mellor Avenue, one block west of the Bloomsbury Center, has ample on-street parking.

Q: How is the order of the parade decided?

A: A group of dedicated volunteers, who are experts at producing parade events, decide the order.  They mix the parade entries to ensure that musical units are appropriately spaced throughout the parade and entries are positioned in the parade to provide maximum entertainment.  The parade committee tries to accommodate all special requests.

Q: We have small children, seniors, costumed characters, vehicle that overheats and/or a busy schedule and need to be at the beginning of the parade. Can you honor this?

A: Approximately 90% of our special requests are to be placed near the front of the parade.  Obviously, we can’t honor most of these requests. We will continue to monitor these requests, but please understand our situation and plan accordingly.

Q: I’m afraid that my float is too tall and may hit power lines.  Is there a height restriction?

A: Yes, floats must be less than 13’ 6”.

FIREWORKS QUESTIONS

Q: What time do the fireworks start?

A: The fireworks begin at approximately 9:15 p.m.  Beginning at 6:30 p.m., the Fireworks Family Fest will offer those who arrive early, the opportunity to listen to live music and entertainment.  A variety of family friendly food vendors will be available selling sandwiches, hotdogs, snowballs, ice cream and more.

Q: What roads are closed during the fireworks?

A: Valley Road is closed at 5 p.m. between Rolling Road and Hilltop.  Valley Road and Hilltop Roads will be completely closed down at 7 p.m. and will reopen at approximately 10 p.m.

Q: What happens if it rains? 

A: We have an inclement weather policy so you can see how we make the decision to cancel.  If the fireworks are rained out on Thursday, July 4^th, 2013 we will reschedule for Saturday, July 6^th.  If July

6h is rained out, the fireworks will be cancelled for 2013.

Q: How can I find out if the fireworks are cancelled due to rain?

A: The best way is to sign up for our e-mail alerts at our website.  The moment we make the decision to cancel, we will post on our website and send out an e-mail alert to subscribers.

Q: Where should I park for the fireworks?  

A: Parking is really tough for this event.  If you can walk to the high school, please do.  Parking is really tough after 7:30 p.m.  There will be detours, road closures and police officers directing traffic.  Please follow their directions.

Q: Is handicapped parking available?

A: Yes, we will have handicapped parking at Catonsville High School on the top parking lot closest to the cafeteria and playing fields.  Look for the signs. There is a new accessible ramp that starts near the parking lots and runs parallel to the tennis courts.  The ramp will take you to the parking lot and you will have access to the Valley Road vendor area as well as handicap accessible bathroom facilities.  First Come – First Serve!

Q: It sounds like Catonsville High School is pretty crowded.  Is there any other place to view the Catonsville fireworks?

A: Residents report that their favorite viewing areas include Catonsville Community College, UMBC and Spring Grove.  Check out Arbutus Methodist Church on Shelbourne Ave.  They have a festival, home cooked food, bathrooms, a playground, a great view of the fireworks and it is a major fundraiser for their church.

Q: Are bathroom facilities available at the fireworks?

A: Yes, Bobby’s Potty’s are available on the Valley Road parking lot at Catonsville High School.  A handicapped accessible bathroom facility is also available at this location.

Q: Are dogs allowed at the fireworks?

A: Leave your pets at home as loud bands, sirens, firecrackers and confusing pedestrian traffic can really stress your pet. More frightened pets are lost on July 4th than any other day of the year. Leave them home in the quiet of an air conditioned room.

Q: Can I bring alcoholic beverages to the fireworks?

A: Alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited on school property.  Smoking is also prohibited.

Q. What is the quickest way for me to get home after the fireworks?

A: After the fireworks, all traffic on Rolling Road will be directed to go south and sent to Route 195 towards I-95.  All traffic on Wilkens Ave. will be directed to I-695.  Remember, there are thousands of cars jamming every road and side street. Unfortunately, there are no shortcuts. Plan to be in a backup for at least ½ hours after the fireworks

General Questions

Q: I’d like to buy an ad in the program book.  Who can I call?

A: The program book deadline is May 1.  Call Steve Head at Head Graphics 410-744-0415.

Q: How can I support the Catonsville 4th of July Committee and its efforts?

A: You can support the Committee through in-kind and/or monetary donations.  Monetary donations can be made all year long by visiting at our website and/or mailing check(s) made payable to the Catonsville 4th of July Committee, P.O. Box 21202, Catonsville, MD 21228.  In addition, you are welcome to attend our monthly meetings to voice your suggestions/ideas or volunteer your time and talents during the day of the parade and fireworks, whether for 1 hour or the entire day’s celebration.  If you wish to support us via an in-kind donation, please contact the Committee directly at info@catonsvillecelebrations.org.

The Catonsville 4th of July Committee held the 2012 Awards Ceremony on August 31, 2012

Congratulations to the winners in the Catonsville 2012 Parade and Fireworks.  On Friday, August 31, 2012, an awards ceremony was held and the coveted Uncle Sam statues were given to the winners;

Crowd shot from 2011. 2012 panoramic shots can be viewed here.

Catonsville 4th of July committee member, Shawn Lawson, decided to try out a panoramic camera in the 2012 Catonsville Parade.  Shawn slipped in the parade line-up and  took these amazing panoramic views of several intersections from Rolling Road to Wyndcrest Avenue.

See if you can find your family and friends at the following intersections:

Note: It takes about 10-15 seconds for these images to download.  When first viewed, the images will be blurry, be patient, they will come into focus quickly. 

Smithwood Avenue and Frederick Road - Near Summit Park Care Center

Rolling Road and Frederick Road - Near Hillcrest Elementary 

Beechwood Avenue and Frederick Road

Stanley Drive and Frederick  Road - Beechwood to Wyndcrest Aves.

Wyndcrest Ave and Frederick Road

Each year on July 4th, residents walk to Frederick Road to watch the annual parade.  Few give a thought to how the parade is funded or organized.  They just know that the parade will begin at 3 p.m. and will be spectacular.

Behind the scenes is a small group of volunteer who work tirelessly to raise the $100,000 needed to produce the parade and fireworks.  Few know that the marching bands do not come for free (hey, they have expenses too, like bus rental, uniforms, meals).  Our  budget to hire these top-notch bands is $23,000.  The fireworks display and related expenses total $30,000.  Spot-A-Pots, insurance, band fees. fireworks, web maintenance, and administrative expenses quickly add up to a total of $100,000 for this one day event.  The committee does not receive any federal, state or county funds.  We rely on residents and businesses in the Catonsville area to pitch in and keep this tradition alive.

How can you help?

1. Make an On-Line donation at Donate Catonsville and make a tax-deductible donation to the Catonsville July 4th Committee.  Pay with credit card or Paypal.

2. Volunteers are going door-to-door in the Catonsville area to collect donations.  Give generously!

3. Parade Collectors with buckets will be walking down the parade route just ahead of the parade.  Bring your cash/checks and deposit them into their buckets.

4. Fireworks Collectors will be traversing the high school grounds at the pre-fireworks fun fest.  Give generously!

5. Write a check payable to the Catonsville Community Foundation (CCF) and mail to 924 Frederick Road, 21228.   Donations made through the CCF are tax-deductible.

To protect children from running into the street, no candy or other items can be thrown from floats. If you wish to distribute items, please do so with walkers handing out items at the curb.

Catonsville July 4th, 2013 Parade Rules/Terms

• We are applying to participate in the Catonsville 4th of July Parade on Thursday, July 4, 2013. We understand that by filing this application we are not automatically guaranteed a place in the parade. All applications must be approved by the Catonsville 4th of July Committee.  Parade will be held rain or shine.
• Deadline for application is Thursday, June 28, 2013.
• We agree to hold harmless the Catonsville 4th of July Committee and its representatives for any damage we may suffer or cause and to secure such a promise from and on behalf of each in our unit
• We agree to be in our assigned position in the formation area at the time instructed and to follow the instructions of parade officials.
• We have read and agree to abide by the rules and regulations provided to us by the Parade Committee. All entries will follow the directions of the parade representatives and police at all times.
• No candy or promotional items are to be tossed from vehicles or floats to individuals watching the parade. Individuals walking the parade route with prior approval may distribute items by hand at the curb.  Absolutely no paper handouts such as brochures, coupons and/or flyers can be distributed during the parade.
• Any entry that includes children must have adequate adult supervision. Adult supervision is required on all floats and open vehicles carrying children.
• Prohibited items: Silly string, water pistols/guns, super-soakers, water balloons and other devices that propel water from parade entry.
• The Catonsville 4th of July Committee has the right to remove any person, vehicle, float etc… not meeting the Catonsville  4th of July Committee criterion and standards. Entries should follow the theme of the parade.
• Entries are not to espouse political, social or other themes or causes.  Again, entries should follow the theme of the parade.
• Only elected officials representing the Catonsville  districts will be permitted to participate in the parade. Candidates and their immediate families will be permitted on the parade route.  Supporters/walkers are not permitted to march in parade. No campaign t-shirts are permitted in parade. CANDIDATES FOR OFFICE ARE NOT PERMITTED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PARADE.
• Commercial business entries may not simply ride through the parade route in their company vehicle. All entries must be decorated  according to the parade theme and/or in an appropriate holiday manner.
• Entries are prohibited from collecting/soliciting funds during the parade.
• The committee reserves the right to photograph and/or record the entire parade and use these images to promote or benefit the committee’s activities including use in electronic media and/or sale of images.
• Updates and additional information are available at www.catonsvillecelebrations.org.

Please take the time to share these rules with your group as you make plans for your entry.  Applicants must accept these rules on the on-line application or sign a copy of the rules if mailing in your application.

]]> http://catonsvillecelebrations.org/parade-rules/feed/ 0 http://catonsvillecelebrations.org/handicapped-parking-available-at-catonsville-high-school-first-come-first-serve/ http://catonsvillecelebrations.org/handicapped-parking-available-at-catonsville-high-school-first-come-first-serve/#comments Tue, 12 Jun 2012 19:05:53 +0000 Sweeney http://catonsvillecelebrations.org/?p=553

The top parking lot of CHS will be available for handicapped parking.

Handicapped parking is available  at Catonsville High School on the top parking lot closest to the cafeteria and playing fields.  Look for the signs. There is a new accessible ramp that starts near the parking lots and runs parallel to the tennis courts.  The ramp will take you to the parking lot and you will have access to the Valley Road vendor area as well as handicap accessible bathroom facilities.  First Come – First Serve!

You must have a handicapped parking permit to park in this area.

*Tenative date, subject to change

Every year, two organizations compete to see who can raise the most money for the July 4th at “Roadblocks” at the corner of Frederick Road and Ingleside/Bloomsbury Avenues.

The Catonsville Ravens Club will hold their roadblock on Saturday morning, June 8, 2013* from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Catonsville Men’s Civic Association will hold their roadblock fundraiser on June 22, 2013* from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Dates are tenative and subject to change.