The Catasauqua/North Catasauqua J4 Celebration will be held July 3 at Catasauqua Park & Pool Complex, 501 American St.

Everyone is welcome to join in the parade, which leaves 10:30 a.m. from North Catasauqua William J. Albert Memorial Park, 701 Grove St.

The parade then travels to the Catasauqua park, where the opening ceremony will begin 11 a.m., followed by a day of music, food, games, crafts, a flea market and other fun!

An oldies softball game - for those 50 and older - will be held 11:15 a.m. at Thomas Field.

The group School’s Out will entertain 1-4 p.m., and Flirtin’ with the Mob will be the pre-fireworks show from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Fireworks start 9 p.m. at Alumni Field.

There is still time to enter your home in the patriotic home decorating contest. Please register by July 1 at North Catasauqua Borough Hall or Catasauqua Borough Hall.

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Start off your Fourth of July holiday in true revolutionary style with patriots, loyalists, muskets and cannons at the George Taylor House (GTH), Lehigh and Poplar streets. Become a part of history during a 10 a.m. lively, interactive reading of the American Declaration of Independence by the Bachmann Players. Before that, Antebellum Marine Band will perform 9:30 a.m.

Then, Northampton County Militia and American Legion Color Guard will appear, as will special guest “John Adams,” second president of the United States and co-author of the Declaration of Independence.

Come hungry, for an a la carte breakfast will feature Leah’s special shepherd’s pie breakfast burritos and assorted muffins, juices and coffee, served between 9 a.m. and noon.

To round out the celebration, GTH will open for tours between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. and between 11 a.m. and noon.

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Linc Coffin, a Pennsylvania master gardener, will discuss how and why to build a pollinator-friendly garden, how to get it certified and how to enjoy the colorful pollinators attracted to your garden.

This all happens at Catasauqua Garden Club’s July 6 meeting at Slovak Center Social Club, 1233 Fifth St., North Catasauqua. The meeting starts 1 p.m.

If you have entries for judging, have them ready early, so the meeting can start on time.

Garden-friendly visitors and the merely curious are welcome!

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The pool in Catasauqua is open! Pool hours are noon-7 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and noon-8 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Pool passes can be purchased at the pool box office or the YMCA in Catasauqua. Please note: Proof of residency is required to get the discount.

There is a variety of new programs and lessons being held at the pool this summer, such as Mommy, Daddy and Me swim classes, preschool and youth afternoon/evening swim lessons, water aerobics and birthday parties.

Call the YMCA to register at 610-264-5221.

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My email address is lhahn775@verizon.net if there is any information you would like published in this column.

I hope everyone has a fantastic, fun and, most importantly, safe July 4!