Five Ways You Can Help the Fourth of July Parade

It's 19 days until the 65th annual Fourth of July festivities in Catonsville, and the Fourth of July Committee still needs volunteers for some very specific tasks. To volunteer for any of these, go to the committee's website.

Here is what they need:

1. Installing signs. Two people are needed to install roughly 10 plastic signs along several roads at 7 a.m. on Monday, July 4. The roads are South Rolling Road to Wilkens Avenue, Bloomsbury Avenue and several along Valley Road and Bloomsbury Avenue. The same people will be needed to take down the signs at 5:30 p.m. on that day. To do this, it may be best to have a large car to carry the signs. Volunteers will be using a staple gun and lock ties.

2. Managing handicapped parking lot. This year, one of the parking lots at the high school will be designated for handicapped parking. The committee needs a team of at least four people to man the lot's entrance by the high school cafeteria from 5 to 9 p.m. They will also need to check for handicapped permits. This would be great for a family, a business or a community organization.

3. Directing traffic. Roughly four volunteers are needed to help with traffic control from 5 to 9 p.m. at the fireworks. This requires you to help block streets and direct traffic.

4. Carrying banners. The committee is always in need of people to carry banners in the parade. This is a great opportunity for service learning hours for middle and high school students.

5. Donate. The committee is always in need of funds for the parade. You can donate on the website.