Many believe the key to a perfect Fourth of July is Fireworks, but Tilghman Islander’s know better. A perfect Fourth begins with patriotism and community. This year the quaint-little-waterman town was filled with red, white and blue spirit as they held their first Fourth of July Parade on Thursday, July 4.
The idea and sponsorship of the parade came from the Tilghman Area Youth Association (TAYA), a local non-profit whose mission is to connect youth to self, family and community. TAYA encompasses the Tilghman After School Kids (TASK)program, the enrichment program which not only extends the learning day but it also invokes a safe and healthy environment for Tilghman area youth. TASK has been in existence since 2003 and became a non-profit in 2011.
In order to make the day a success TAYA invited children of all ages to come out and decorate their bicycles in true holiday fashion.
From Knapp’s Narrows to Tilghman Elementary School, families lined Main Street to watch their community come to life in genuine patriotic form. The parade was led by the Tilghman Volunteer Fire Company’s tanker truck followed by Chief Chris Hood and a copious amount of bicycles, baby strollers and walkers. Altogether, over sixty decked-out cyclists participated in the event. Followed in-tow by golf carts, cars and other low speed vehicles. Bringing up the rear was an officer of the Talbot County Sheriff’s Office who served as the caboose of the parade.
Following the parade, the community gathered for entertainment, a family soft ball game and a picnic, thanks to donations from all the island businesses.
Overall, TAYA raised over $8,000 in scholarship funds for TASK participants. Recently, Tilghman Elementary School lost its Title 1 designation, causing TAYA to lose a $20,000 grant that was crucial in providing funding for TASK. While the parade and picnic were a spectacular success for the community and TAYA, it is not nearly enough funding to maintain the TASK program. Parties interested in donating to the invaluable after-school program, please send contributions to TAYA, P.O. Box 55, Tilghman, Maryland, 21671
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