This past week was the most hectic, so far, in my position as intern for the Alliance. On Monday and Tuesday I was able to revise some of the itineraries that I had written in June. I then began work on researching the African-American History of Hillsborough so as to begin building a self-guided tour based on the Black history of Hillsborough.

In the midst of those responsibilities the preparation for the July 4th Picnic in the Park was steadily increasing. On Wednesday afternoon there was a meeting of the Alliance and the interns to discuss the responsibilities and duties for the day of the 4th. I was able to create the program that would be handed out for the event, and that became the basis for the scheduling of our responsibilities.

I was nervous about how the day was going to go, but there were hardly any snags and there was even some time to stand back and see how successful the event was. The morning started off with setting up at the Farmers Market Pavilion for the picnic that would take place in early afternoon. Meanwhile the parade had started up on Tryon St. and the judging for most patriotic person and pet had begun. The parade ended in front of the old county courthouse where the community chorus that I sing in during the summer performed a selection of songs including the star-spangled banner. Then we were ready for the reading of the declaration of independence. After the reading (which had a fantastic attendance) there was music, food trucks, pony rides, and face painting for all those who came down to the farmers market pavilion.

There was a glowing review in the newspaper and I heard nothing but positive comments from those that spoke to me about the event. I am thrilled with how it turned out. We will have a meeting later this coming week to discuss the outcome and the potential improvements for future years to come.