Independence day

Expect it allhamburgers fresh off the grill, watermelon and homemade ice cream. Expect sun and shade, kids relay races, multi-coloured balloons and pony rides. In a word, look for all the fun, games and good spirits char-acteristic of the Fourth of July. Only this year, expect to treat yourself to a bit of American independencein Tuscany.  On Saturday, July 1, from 5 pm to 11 pm, the Villa Demidoff in Pratolino will play host to over 3,000 people gathering to celebrate the day in the company of the American-Florentine community. The annual festivities have been organized by the Tuscan American Association, the International American League, the US Consulate General and several American universities in collaboration with various public institutions from the City of Florence. Picnic-goers can expect speeches from the Province President, Matteo Renzi, and the Mayor of the Municipality of Vaglia. Honoured guests will include the Consul General of Florence, Nora Dempsey, and various civil and military authorities of Florence and Tuscany. The local Marshals School Band and the Ser-geants squad of the Carabinieri military police will provide a touch of official fanfare,  and guests will also enjoy a traditional performance of Florentine Historical Soccer flag wavers.  Dance lovers will enjoy night performances by the Jarama Ballet choreographed by Queta Meja Rodrigues. Music will be provided by G. La Pira Chorus in concert with Master Gianluca Serveri and the Black and White Ensemble accompanied by Maestro Alessandro Coco.  Reyoada  will perform Latin-American dancing and jazz and the Fabbrica di Pongo will give the audience a taste of traditional country rhythms. Foot-ball fans who wish to congregate in the Villas  Sala Rossa will be able to enjoy two World Cup matches, broadcast on the maxi-screen at 6 pm and 9 pm. Event sponsors include Ely Lilly, APT (Associazione Promozione Tourism Firenze), The Florentine, Nuova Pignone, Calzoni In Colliva di Bologna, VM Motori, Expeditor International Italia, CocaCola, McDonalds, Culligan, Fattoria Luiano, Azienda Agricola Casale di Riccardo Falchini, Balloon Express, Scuola Equitazione Fiorentina, Castello Banfi, La Marzocco, Vivoli, Convivium, Comunit Montana del Mugello, Florsheim Europe, Syracuse University, Villa I Tatti, Rutgers University, and Mr Wolf Snc. Generous contributions have also been offered by Ente Cassa di Risparmio di Firenze, Banca Toscana, Officine S. Maria Novella Firenze. Ticket price is 5 euro. Children enter free. Please RSVP with full name, via email to july4firenze@yahoo.com For further information, please contact Francesco Bardazzi 328-611-6323.