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Hope floats. But for a downtown-sponsored summer event like Friday's Great Frederick Float, it's the volunteers who make the waves.

Huddled around a conference table at the C. Burr Artz Library, the planning committee for the third annual event — comprising downtown merchants, dedicated volunteers, musical professionals, Abraham Lincoln and Uncle Sam — assembled for a final meeting on June 15. Among the agenda's primary concerns: Placement and implementation of varying musical acts, from the opening sounds of the Citizens Brass Band to the A Capella Showcase Chorus, to the rock of late-breaking band Luke G and Silver Lyning; volunteer needs throughout the day of the event; and the proposed decoration of Carroll Creek.

Also — was it the "Rugged" or "Ragged" "Old Flag," that Abe Lincoln alias Bruce Gruber would recite? Who among them could carry the Sunfish sail boat raffle prize to the creek? And just how would water balloons be filled and transported to the children's area?

Oh, and there was talk of the boats themselves. Red, white and blue people-powered craft of public and nonprofit design — set for launch on July 3 in a pre-Independence Day parade. The winning design would be chosen by Float patrons with $1 votes; the bounty for contestants being a $200 Downtown Frederick gift card. Deadline for entry had been extended to June 30 in an effort to attract additional participants, slowly trickling in. Mayoral candidates had also been invited to participate; the caveat, of course, prohibiting active campaigning and prize eligibility.

On Tuesday, only days before the event - and the last day to register, the final tally of participants ultimately numbered 18. "People have a tendency to push deadlines to the last minute," said Downtown Frederick Partnership executive director Kara Norman, who noted last year's event boasted 10 boats.

The Float coincides with Frederick's First Saturday event, coming one day early this month, on Friday. It's all part of the festivity-filled Independence Day weekend taking place throughout the city.

"We obviously expect a great crowd," said Norman, "What's unique this year is that we're being combined with Frederick's First Saturday, which is great for all involved… for the merchant community, as well as those who are attending."

This year's voyage begins at 5 p.m. Friday, featuring a full-fledged roster of musical entertainment and children's activities, including the aforementioned water balloon toss and a super-soaker shooting gallery. Following an opening ceremony, the parade will launch at 6 p.m., presided by Parade Grand Marshall Major General James Gillman of Fort Detrick. Winners will be announced by Gruber's Lincoln at 8 p.m. during a closing ceremony.

Gruber, who moved to the area with his wife three years ago from Texas, has long been involved with community theatre, having performed with The Fredericktowne Players and Smithereens here. In Texas, he portrayed the iconic roles of Ebenezer Scrooge and Atticus Fitch, two of literature's most domineering male leads. But none so great as Abraham Lincoln.

"At first they suggested The Statue of Liberty," said Gruber of the Float committee. "I said, ‘Maybe that's not quite the right role for me.'"

"I feel Lincoln was a marvelous figure in history," Gruber continued. "Obviously, I can't say I was able to prepare for this role in the same way I would a stage show, but I read his biography and … examples of his own, personal writings … and learned a lot about him as a person – his goals and objectives."

On Friday, Gruber will join the ranks of other historic performers — Jim Hochadel as Uncle Sam and Julie Herber as Barbara Fritchie – as he announces musical acts, rules of conduct for the presentation of colors, and each boat as it passes under the bridge.

"I was able to participate last year with my wife, collecting votes," said Gruber. "It was a marvelous experience to meet the community through this affair. It was meaningful, and I got a lot out of it."

On Friday, so will the rest of Frederick.

"We're planning for a great day," said Norman. "Obviously, there's a lot of volunteer spirit behind this event … You often experience that in Frederick, but it's always nice to see."

MUSIC SCHEDULE

South Market Street Center

5, 6:15, 6:45 and 7:15 p.m. Tyler Joyce and Todd Walker

5:15-5:30 p.m. Citizens Brass Band

Following the Citizens Brass Band, the Fort Detrick Color Guard will present Colors to the Grand Marshall. Warren Zentz will sing The National Anthem. Uncle Sam will lead The Pledge.

6, 6:30 and 7 p.m. A Capella Showcase Chorus

Amphitheater

5-5:30 p.m. Luke G and Silver Lyning

6:30-7:30 p.m. Catoctin Promise Band

7:30-8 p.m. The Great Frederick Float Divas

8 p.m. FINALE: Abraham Lincoln announces winner of Sunfish Sailboat and winners of each category of Float contest