Now is the time to get a group together and submit an application to take part in the Kingston Fourth of July “Celebrations of Fun” parade. Pick up an application at John L. Scott, RE/MAX, the Kingston Chamber of Commerce, Sacks Feed & Garden and American Marine Bank, or download the form from www.tiny-town.org.

The Committees of the Fourth of July are getting final confirmations on schedules of events for Tiny Town, the parade and music concerts in Mike Wallace Park. The fireworks are on order; the Kingston Farmers’ Market has put out a call for vendors for its special Fourth of July event; and the Kingston Cove Yacht Club is flexing its spatulas for the annual pancake breakfast.

This year, Tiny Town extends its hours one night for a community dance on the grass at Kola Kole Park from 6-9 p.m. July 3 with the band, Been There Done That. The hours of Tiny Town will be 10 a.m.-9 p.m. July 3 and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. July 4.

Tiny Town will be erected July 2 and volunteers with strong backs and flatbed trucks are needed to help raise it up. The usual rides, food and craft vendors, and ongoing entertainment on stage will be back this year, with a load of great family activities.

On stage in Mike Wallace Park on the Fourth of July will be J.P. Patches, 2-2:45 p.m. after the farmers’ market loads out and the parade and ball race are over; Karaoke with some local pros, 3-4 p.m.; Hit Sensation playing contemporary rock ’n’ roll, 4-5:30 p.m.; Warren Brothers with country music, 6-7:45 p.m.; and Jr. Cadillac heating up the crowd 8:15-10:15 p.m. before the fireworks blast off from the barge in Appletree Cove at about 10:30 p.m.

Annemarie Olson, who is in her 12th year of coordinating a Fourth of July music festival in downtown Kingston and co-owns Coffee Exchange, said there will be an improved sound system this year. She’s still looking for band sponsors who will get a banner on the front of the stage in return for their support.

The Fourth of July is the unofficial kick off to summer around here, and this year’s celebrations will reflect the enthusiasm and dedication of many local residents who for the love of showing the town a good time, put together so many great events.

For more information on sponsorships, contact Pete DeBoer at (360) 649-1806; the parade, Bev Pierce at (360) 297-1067; or Tiny Town volunteers, Samantha Graham at (360) 779-9820; www.tiny-town.org.