(EDITOR'S NOTE: The following is from the Sudbury Chamber of Commerce.)

Being in New England and all….. when we talk about bands in parades it really does have a special meaning.  We’re talking about fifes.  We’re talking about drums.  Flags. Muskets are also a possibility.  Amazing outfits.  Did someone say a cannon or two?  All possibilities. And that is just the tip of the iceberg. This is New England after all!

And as many of you know, if you’ve ever been to a Sudbury Chamber of Commerce 4th of July Parade, you know we’ve managed to attract some great bands to our parade. The bands really do contribute so much to the entire parade and we feel very fortunate to have every one of them participate.  In fact many would go so far as to say that the bands really do make the parade.

What really makes the bands so special is the looks you can see on every kids face.  There really is an amazing moment of anticipation as each kid is wondering “what next”… and then the can in the distance hear the drum beats… followed up by the horns… and eventually the uniformed marching and finally as the band is right in front of them, each kid suddenly has a front row seat on what This is all about it!

And going beyond the traditional fife & drum, there are so many other bands that add so much to the entire parade, really helping to add to the entire celebratory feel of the entire day!  

The history. The amazing sacrifice.  The wonderful celebration that is the 4th of July.  All right there in front of them.  Truly spectacular!

The good news is this year once again our Parade Committee has managed to put together another great lineup in terms of bands and while this list is by no means final, and yes, it could also change here is where we are in terms of bands that we are expected to join us for the 2012 Parade:

• Sudbury Ancient Fyfe and Drum Companie
• Alan and the Alligators
• Bruce Marshall Group
• Boston Windjammers
• Burnhardt Bavarian Brass Band
• Jambalaya Jazz Band
• Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School Parade Band
• Manchester Pipe Band
• Middlesex County Volunteers
• Natick Legion Band
• New Liberty Jazz Band
• Sudbury Savoyards
• Tony Barrie Marching Band
• The Van Burens
• Worcester Brass Band

Once again we’d like to express our appreciation to all these bands for joining us! So get you party hats on and be ready for some great family fun. We can’t wait to see you there!