The Upper Perkiomen valley is celebrating America's 250^th anniversary next week with commerce, fireworks and a history lesson. Three local organizations are throwing events over the July 4 weekend. The festivities cover three days. 

           An extended First Friday on July 3 in East Greenville kicks off with the USA 250th Celebration. The monthly event, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., will include a car show in the parking lot of the East Greenville Fire Company, located at 401 Washington Street.

            Participation is free, but pre-registration is required. To register, visit the Chamber's website at www.upv.chamber.org.

            At 9 a.m. on Saturday, Upper Perkiomen's Independence Day parade is scheduled to depart the Upper Perkiomen Middle School, located at 510 Jefferson Street in East Greenville, on Sixth Street. The Rotary Club of Upper Perk is organizing the event.

            After turning right on Route 29, it will make a right on West Second Street in Pennsburg. Following a right turn into Seminary Street, it will go left onto Third Street in East Greenville before finishing at New Goshenhoppen Park.

            Several organizations – including multiple fire companies, Scout groups, the VFW, the Rotary, the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association and more – have committed to participate, according to Bob McCarty, a member of the Upper Perk rotary in charge of the parade and related festivities. He said anyone wishing to get involved can resister online at https://form.jotform.com/260825313240043.

            Several activities are planned at the park. Its band shell will remain active from 11 a.m. to the start of the fireworks presentation around 9 p.m.

            The Programme, a cover rock band from Bucks County, is scheduled to perform from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Swing Shift, a 10-piece swing and jazz band, is scheduled to take the stage from 4 to 5 p.m.

            An interactive reading of the Declaration of Independence, designed to remind the public how most people first heard of independence in in 1776, is slated for 6:30 p.m. The Schwenkfelder Library & Heritage Center, is sponsoring the event, described as an interactive adventure led by Joshua Fink and followed by performances by the Brandywine Colonials Fife & Drum Corps.

            The Red Hill Band is scheduled to perform from 7 p.m. to just before the start of the fireworks at 9 p.m. McCarty described the show as ramped up due to the nation's semiquincentennial celebration.

            Additional activities in the park include a pet contest held by Mostly Muttz, kids crafts and games, a moon bounce, water slide and multiple food trucks as vendors. TBL Ballons, which describes itself as a professional balloon services business, will be at the park from noon to 2 p.m.

            The holiday festivities will not include a fire company water battle this year.

            On Sunday, July 5, the Schwenkfelder Library and Heritage Center, located at 105 Seminary Street in Pennsburg, will host a free Heritage Day event centered around the American Flag. From noon to 4 p.m., attendees will receive a presentation by Candace Perry about how flags were manufactured in the area.

            Kids will be able to make flags, and Betsy Ross – as reenactor Carol Spacht – will be in attendance. The museum will include four exhibits related to the Semiquincentennial celebration.

            The Upper Perkiomen Valley Library, Project Live and the Borough of East Greenville also provide crafts for kids.

            On Saturday, Upper Salford will host its 38^th annual Red White and Blue Parade. The event, on Old Skippack Pike. It is scheduled to start at 10 a.m. Participants are asked to arrive at the starting point, near the intersection of Potato Road, by 9: 15 a.m.

            Awards will be given to best decorated bicycle in two age groups: 3 to 7 and 8 to 12. Prizes for best "festooned" walker, large vehicle/float, small vehicle/float and tractor. The most patriotic participant will receive the grand prize.

            The parade will end at the Upper Salford Volunteer Fire Company, located at 782 Old Skippack Road in the Salfordville section of the township. Free hot dogs and birch beer will be available at the station.

            Also in Quakertown, the borough's July 4 Community Day Schedule concludes with a Skyshooter Fireworks Display at 9:30 p.m. Memorial Park will host an abundance of events, kicking off at 8 a.m. with a pancake breakfast.

            The borough's planned festivities include a non-denomination celebration service at 9:30 a.m., a children's bike parade at 10 a.m., and a police K9 demonstration on the basketball court at 11 a.m.

            The midway is scheduled to open at 11 a.m. The Alex Buono Band is slated to perform from 1 to 3 p.m. The Deranged Ranch Highland Cow Pictures and Petting will be available from 11:30 to 3 p.m.

            The Fire Department water battles are scheduled for 1 to 2:30 p.m. The Quakertown Band is scheduled to perform from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.