Main Street Rock Hall to celebrate America’s 250th birthday with ‘Chalk the Street,’ bell-ringing ceremony

ROCK HALL — The bayside community here will celebrate Independence Day and America’s 250th birthday on Saturday, July 4 with a full day of activities, beginning with the annual parade that kicks off at 10 a.m. and continues with games, contests, and food and craft vendors at the Civic Center.

Following the parade, Main Street between Rock Hall Avenue and Sharp Street will be closed to vehicle traffic until 4 p.m., providing for a pedestrian-friendly atmosphere to safely stroll, shop, dine and enjoy a variety of activities.

Main Street Rock Hall, an organization that supports a vibrant district at the center of the small town, is coordinating a community “Chalk the Street” activity. With chalk provided immediately after the parade, everyone is invited to transform Main Street into a colorful tribute to America’s 250th birthday.

Misting tents also will be located on Main Street, as well as a free “Chair Check Service” to help parade attendees save a trip to their vehicles.

At 1:30 p.m. there will be a public reading of selected portions of the Declaration of Independence, to be followed at 2 p.m. with the local observance of the “Let Freedom Ring” national bell-ringing ceremony. In collaboration with the Historical Society of Kent County, bells will be rung 13 times in recognition of the original 13 colonies that declared independence from Great Britain. Hand bells will be distributed on Main Street for the ceremony, though participants also are encouraged to bring their own.

Visitors also can take advantage of Rock Hall Rides, the town’s free shuttle service operating on a continuous loop with convenient designated stops throughout town.

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According to its website, Main Street Rock Hall “envisions and strives for the creation of a vibrant, welcoming Main Street corridor with activity year-round, which is a central gathering place for staging events, shopping, dining, strolling and visiting, and which reflects the small town values and rich maritime heritage of its authentic waterman’s community.”

The mission of Main Street Rock Hall is to develop short- and long-term strategies and initiatives to revitalize, reenergize and repopulate Main Street for the enjoyment of both community members and visitors.