The Belchertown Twirlers have been selected to represent the State of Massachusetts in the 2009 National Independence Day Parade in Washington, D.C. on July 4th. The twirlers will be joining government officials, national military units, sponsored floats, helium balloons and other specialty units in this major national event.

Ms. Barbara Kupras and Ms. Kristi Kupras Ochs, the directors, were informed of this honor based on the decision of the National Selection Committee, which considered and reviewed the twirling group’s application materials and determined the twirling group will be an excellent representative of Massachusetts. The Belchertown Twirlers received a Governor’s Proclamation from Governor Patrick Deval commending the Twirlers on their selection to represent Massachusetts in this prestigious National Parade.

The parade route is on historical Constitution Avenue from 7th to 17th Streets. A street audience of hundreds of thousands of spectators is anticipated. The National Park Service and the National Independence Day Parade TM are the co-sponsors of this event.

The traditional parade will be a reflection of many American patriotic themes, historical and present, but the major emphasis in 2009 will be Abraham Lincoln’s Bicentennial.

The twirling group will be in Washington, D.C. from July 2-5, 2009 during which time a complete program of sightseeing and other cultural activities will be part of the experience. The Belchertown Twirlers will also perform in front of the Jefferson Memorial on Friday, July 3rd.

“We also just got notified that we have been selected to stop at the Reviewing Stand for a 2 minute performance. Only 4 groups in the entire parade were selected so we are very proud of the twirlers,” said Kupras.

Following the parade on July 4th, they will join several hundred thousand tourists who enjoy the televised performance of the National Symphony in front of the U.S. Capitol Building and the spectacular fireworks display.