Orleans Parade Committee Approves $10,350 Budget for Fourth of July Celebration

ORLEANS — March 24, 2026 — Orleans Parade Committee approves $10,350 Fourth of July budget and debates a three-way grand marshal race. The committee, newly at full voting membership after welcoming Christie as a full member and Tom as an associate, unanimously approved a budget covering eight returning bands totaling $8,200 in entertainment costs — headlined by Column Seal Pipes and Drums at $2,000 — plus $2,150 for decorations, signs, and a placeholder $700 Chatham valet line the chair suggested could be cut if younger parade judges are recruited. Three grand marshal candidates are under consideration: Town Counsel Mike Ford for 40 years of service, the Memorial Park renovation volunteers, and a music teacher identified as Mr. Holland Jurassic, described as completing his 50th year teaching at Orleans Elementary. The chair said he would check with Select Board liaison Kevin Galligan on whether a non-Orleans resident can serve as grand marshal and whether co-honorees are permissible. The committee will reconvene April 21 at 4:45 p.m. to narrow parade theme options for an Orleans Elementary student vote.