Independence Day Celebrations
A chance to celebrate Terry Macaig
BY TRENT SNYDER Special to the Observer
The choice for this year’s July Fourth Parade Grand Marshal is Terry Macaig, a renaissance man who has spent his life contributing to the Williston community and the State of Vermont in myriad ways.
“Terry was chosen because he was on the Williston Selectboard for years and finished up this past March,” said Recreation and Parks Director Todd Goodwin. “The Town Report was dedicated to him in January for his service to the Town of Williston. It was fitting to have him as the Grand Marshal of the parade.”
Macaig was born and raised in Schenectady, N.Y. He spent his summers visiting Schroon Lake with his family. In 1960, Macaig graduated from the University of Vermont with a bachelor’s degree in Zoology before continuing on to medical school. He then started with the Vermont Department of Health, where he stayed for 38 years, working at the laboratory and in administration.
After Macaig left the Department of Health, he began lobbying for the Vermont State Employees Union. This left him poised to join the state Legislature in 2009, where he served until 2020.
Alongside his professional life, Macaig has held
several volunteer positions. He has been the Williston Health Officer since 1990, has served on the regional planning commission, and was also involved in Cub and Boy Scouts with his kids, helping to review Eagle Scout projects for Chittenden, Franklin and Addison counties.
Even though Macaig is retired, he has still kept busy. He has three children, three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren to spend time with. Additionally, he volunteers with the FDA, the Williston Historical Society and the Vermont chapter of the Alliance for Retired Americans. He also serves as a justice of the peace.
“It’s a great honor to be the leader of the parade,” said Macaig. “All the festivities are fantastic, and it’s a great crowd.”
Macaig has contributed to the town’s Independence Day celebration in the past with the Historical Society, helping to organize the ice cream social that takes place before the parade.
“I’m excited to ride the convertible down the stretch, and not have to walk there anymore,” he said with a chuckle.
This July will mark Macaig’s 59th year living in Williston, where he has tirelessly served his community. Surely, he has earned a break, a chance to sit back and wave to the crowd.
Terry Macaig
Independence Day Celebrations
Theme:“Celebrate the Red, White & Blue"
Grand Marshal: Terry Macaig
The parade starts at 10 a.m. Judging of the entries starts at 9:30 a.m. The road will be closed from 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Entries to the parade are free. All entries must pre-register on the Recreation website (https://willistonvt.myrec.com) by June 29.
Old Stage Road
Independence Day Celebrations
Independence Day Celebrations
THURSDAY, JULY 3
Library Book Sale
4 p.m-6 p.m.
Williston Central School
Sponsored by Friends of the Dorothy Alling Memorial Library
Ice Cream Social
6:30 p.m. | Village Green
Sponsored by the Williston Federated Church
Town Band Concert
6:30 p.m. | Village Green
Library Book Sale
9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Williston Central School
Stovepipe Corners
Schoolhouse Open House
9 a.m.-10 a.m. | 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Village Green
Hosted by the Williston Historical Society
Old Brick Church
Open House
TBD | Old Brick Church
Hosted by Church Trustees
FRIDAY, JULY 4
Independence Day Parade 10 a.m.
Rt 2/Williston Road
Johnson’s Farm to Old Stage Rd. Activities on “The Green” 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Village Green
Sponsored by Crosspoint Church Fire Dept. Open House
11:30 a.m.-1
Take the bus to the fireworks show
Two shuttle buses operated by SSTA will run from 6:30-10:30 p.m. on July 4 to transport people to and from the Town of Williston’s Independence Day evening entertainment and fireworks display at Village Community Park. The fireworks show begins at 9:20 p.m.
The buses will make the following stops (look for special signage).
— Allen Brook School parking lot
— Corner of Stillwater Lane and Holland Lane in Finney Crossing
— Corner of Market Street and Holland Lane
— Shaw’s left-side Parking Lot
— Williston Central School
Call the Williston Recreation and Parks Department for more information at 876-1160.
SATURDAY, JULY 5
