Independence Day is celebrated by the Town of Oakland on July 3 at Broadford Park with a Fireworks Display each year. This fireworks display is coordinated and put on by a small number of volunteers and aided by the support of the Deer Park Fire Department, Southern Garrett Rescue, and the Maryland State Fire Marshal.
This year, the fireworks team will be without one of our leaders and long-time mentors. Milton Proudfoot, who volunteered and coordinated these efforts for over 50 years, passed away on April 1, 2022. As legend has it, Oakland’s Independence Day Fireworks Celebration was embraced by the Proudfoot Family many years ago. Bob and Alice Proudfoot, in coordination with many of Oakland’s business owners and community leaders of the time, joined together at the Proudfoot family property to put on an annual Fireworks show for the Town of Oakland. A gathering of friends and family was always on hand to celebrate the day. With help from his brothers, Milton coordinated and put on the annual fireworks show. Milton became a Maryland Licensed Fireworks Shooter and carried on his family’s annual Independence Day traditions at Broadford Park for the public to enjoy each year. He will be greatly missed.
As a tribute to Milton’s many years of community service and his long-standing commitment to the Town of Oakland and Broadford Park’s Independence Day Fireworks Shows, the first fireworks shell fired each year will be fired from a commemorative mortar tube in memory of Milton Proudfoot. Milton was also a proud supporter of the men and women of the Military, Law Enforcement, Fire Rescue, and Emergency Services. After the first shell is fired, there will be a moment of silence in tribute to those who serve and have served to protect our country’s Independence.
