KILLINGTON, Vt. (June 11, 2002) -- The seven mountains of Killington set the stage for flag-waving children, gleaming-red fire engines, Vermont baked beans, and a small-town parade - all intrinsic parts of Killington's annual Independence Day celebration in the heart of Vermont's Green Mountains. Guests to Killington over the 4th of July holiday should plan on reveling with locals as this national holiday is honored throughout the town of Killington and at Killington Resort.

The observance begins on Thursday, July 4 at 10 a.m. with a traditional town parade, complete with floats, Brownies and Cub Scouts, and loud fire engines. Following the parade, a multitude of family events are planned including kids games and the conventional Fireman's Barbecue with all the fixings including Vermont baked beans. The town's public pool opens at 11 a.m. (small fee for nonresidents).

In conjunction with the town's festivities, Killington Resort offers endless activities for all ages at its Adventure Center including: gondola-serviced mountain biking and hiking; scenic gondola rides to the highest lift- serviced peak in New England; an in-line skate and skateboard park complete with rentals; two water slides; a climbing wall; two alpine slides; miniature golf; and the Bungee Thing, a combination trampoline and bungee jump. In addition, Killington offers golf and golf clinics at its 18-hole championship golf course, rated 4-Stars in Golf Digest's "Places to Play."

Capping off the fanfare is an extravagant fireworks display at dusk at the Johnson Recreation Center located on River Road in Killington.

Celebrations continue throughout the holiday weekend with the Vermont Symphony Orchestra's, "An American Salute," on Friday, July 5 at the Hathaway Farms Soccer/Polo Fields in nearby Rutland. The performance is capped off by a fireworks salute synchronized to Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture. A special 4th of July commemorative birthday celebration also will be held at the Calvin Coolidge Homestead State Historic Site in nearby Plymouth. Coolidge is the only president born on July 4. Canoeing, kayaking, fishing, antiquing, shopping, and dining round out the weekend's fill of adventures.

Three- and four-night packages are available at the Killington Resort Villages from $126 per person for three nights lodging and two days at the Killington Adventure Center or from $209 per person for three nights lodging and two rounds of golf at the Killington Golf Course. The town of Killington holiday festivities are free.

For reservations and information, call toll-free, 877-4- KTIMES or book online at killingtonresortvillage.com.

— Posted by Ari Cheren, MountainZone.com Staff