Swarthmore’s Independence Day festivities offer a classic, small-town celebration centered around Swarthmore Town Center, featuring a mix of athletic races, a patriotic parade, fire department demonstration, community awards and local park water games.
The morning kicks off with the Swarthmore Recreation Association's Great Bike Race. At 8:15 am, children assemble at the intersection of Princeton and Park Avenues. Divided by age groups (ages 4 to 13+), participants race down Park Avenue toward the grandstand. Helmets are strictly required. Up next is the Lions Club Children's Parade. Starting at 9:45 am from Park and Dartmouth Avenues, this hometown parade features themed sections. It progresses sequentially with pets, followed by decorated tricycles, decorated bicycles, and concludes with community floats and baby carriages. Non-profit and community groups also march throughout the procession. Following the parade, there will be a presentation of community awards and a demonstration by the Swarthmore Fire & Protective Association. Finally, at 12:45 pm, residents and guests head to Umoja Park (located at Yale and Rutgers Avenues) for the Fire Company Water Fight to help the community cool off. Others gather at 12:30 pm at Little Crum Creek Park on Cresson Lane for the annual horseshoe tournament for some friendly competition! Registration for the tournament is managed by SRA: https://www.swarthmorerecreation.org/events/cris-hansen-memorial-horseshoe-tournament/