NORWICH – The Norwich Tea Party Patriots will hold a rally in East Side Park from 2 to 6 p.m. Friday.

“The most important holiday in the celebration of our nation is only days away. What a perfect way to kick off the Fourth of July weekend celebration by joining with other patriots as we remember our Founding Fathers and the beginnings of our nation,” said Norwich Tea Party Patriots representative Gilda Ward.

The Norwich Tea Party Patriots will host a “Celebrating Our Independence Rally” in East Side Park in downtown Norwich on July 2.  “Costumed patriots” will join participants, including President Thomas Jefferson and Ben Franklin with a special appearance and performance by President Abe Lincoln, along with other patriotic characters.