The highlight of the event - the fireworks presentation, which will begin at 9:30 p.m. at the rec park - has been overhauled this year.
"With the roundabout going on this year we felt this was the year to do something bigger and something better," said Manchester Town Manager John O'Keefe. "This is in small part our way of saying thanks."
Using the sound system at Applejack Field, the presentation will begin with a short, patriotic narrative about America accompanied by fife and drum music. The presentation includes a reading of the Declaration of Independence, which will be followed by a large volley of fireworks and music from popular American movies and patriotic marches. The presentation will conclude with the Overture of 1812 to accompany the grand finale, according to a press release.
"It's going to be a totally different ball of wax this year. It will definitely be bigger. In order to do the audio piece you need more fireworks to do the presentation," said O'Keefe. "We're really trying to get out the word that if you really want to enjoy the fireworks you really have to see it at the rec."
The incorporation of music into the fireworks display is a new component, one which O'Keefe - who helped create the presentation - feels will be an improvement.
"Fireworks are great, but we're more than just visual creatures,"
In the past the fireworks display has lasted for about 15 and this year it is expected to last for about 20 minutes O'Keefe said.
Not only is the fireworks presentation longer, but O'Keefe said the presentation as a whole fuller this year as well. O'Keefe - who wrote the presentation - produced it with resident Greg Cutler.
"It's pretty moving," said Cutler of the presentation. "John wrote it and it's a very stirring, moving tribute to American service men and women and to the country."
Cutler - who has done voice over work for Pandora radio among a number of other things - not only helped narrate the presentation, but helped with various aspects of its production as well. Ryan McBride - who has worked on major motion pictures and was the sound effects editor on "Angels & Demons" - provided the final sound engineering.
"The big excitement is going to be ... seeing it actually working with the fireworks," said Cutler. "It's going to be exciting to see how that actually turns out."
Though this year's celebration will be different from years past, O'Keefe said it is unclear if future celebrations will be planned in the same manner.
"We'll see what people think about it. If people hate it will be the last year we'll do it. If people like it then we may do it again," O'Keefe said. "My only concern is if you raise the bar high we can't just put together a piece in a couple of hours. We have to raise the production value even beyond this year."
Prior to the fireworks presentation, the band Rev Tor will be playing at Applejack Field from 6 to 9 p.m.
Earlier in the afternoon, local soccer all-stars will take on the semi-pro soccer team the Vermont Voltage beginning at 2 p.m. at Applejack Field.
Riley Rink will be hosting a four-mile road race beginning at 9 a.m. to benefit the Special Olympics.
The swimming pool will be open to residents free of charge from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. with a free hour-long Aqua-Zumba class beginning at 11:30 a.m. Applejack Field will be open to the public for picnicking between 5 and 10 p.m. and the Lions Club will be providing food vending between 5 and 9 p.m.
Parking at the rec park is limited. Overflow parking is available at Manchester Elementary Middle School, Riley Rink and St. Paul's Catholic Church on Bonnet Street. Parking on fields is not permitted with the exception of the field north of Applejack Field.
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