For many years, this celebration was planned and produced by a local non-profit group. In 2016, when that group decided to retire from this endeavor, a new group of Havre de Grace citizens stepped up to continue this grand tradition in Havre de Grace. This group served as a Commission of the City of Havre de Grace, titled the Havre de Grace Independence Day Commission. With a small group of just 7 original members, this group planned and produced an Independence Day Parade, Concert and fireworks display in 2017.

In the years since 2017, this group of volunteers has grown and evolved, as has their success with the Independence Day Celebration. In 2019, this group approached Community Projects of Havre de Grace, Inc. with the request to add a non-profit fundraising group for their organization, under the umbrella of the Community Projects organization. This new non-profit group would allow the individuals to apply for grants and hold fundraising events that they were unable to do as a Commission of the City of Havre de Grace.

            In June 2019, Christy Silverstein and Taryn Martin, Chairs of the Havre de Grace Independence Day Commission, formally applied to Community Projects of Havre de Grace, Inc. They were thrilled to earn a positive vote from the board and become an official part of the Community Projects family as the Celebrate the 4th Foundation. This Foundation works on fundraising events throughout the year to support the Havre de Grace Independence Day Commission and the annual Independence Day Celebration.

            Since joining Community Projects of Havre de Grace, Inc., The Celebrate the 4th Foundation has been pleased to help organize two very successful fundraising events: the Defenders Day Celebration (held annually in May) and the Independence Day Concert (held annually on Independence Day). Both of these events were very successful and helped the foundation raise necessary funds for the Independence Day Parade and celebration.

            The Celebrate the 4th Foundation has been blessed with a great group of volunteers to support its mission. We are proud to have almost 100 local community members volunteer at our events. Our goal is to increase this number every year and to help even more people get involved and become a part of the great Independence Day tradition in Havre de Grace. There’s a place for anyone who wants to join us. Some volunteers work every event, and devote countless hours to our cause. Some volunteers can only offer an hour or two – for specific duties. And that’s great too! We are always looking for new people who want to be involved.

            In the years to come, the Celebrate the 4th Foundation hopes to continue to increase and improve  its fundraising activities in order to fully support the Havre de Grace Independence Day Commission and the annual celebration in Havre de Grace.