We would love to hear from you, especially if you want to join our corps of volunteers. To send us a note, Select this link.
Note: do not use this form to apply to be IN the parade — instead, fill out the On-line Parade Application.
Thanks!
Bel Air Independence Day Committee Names 2026 Miss Bel Air and Miss Bel Air Teen
Tiara Kittelberger, Evelyn Brush to Host Bel Air’s July 4 Celebration
Tiara Kittelberger is the new Miss Bel Air Independence Day 2026, and Evelyn Brush is the inaugural Miss Bel Air Teen 2026, the Bel Air Independence Day Committee, Inc. recently announced.
Kittelberger was chosen through an interview process of interested applicants, and succeeds Kyla Ghirardello, Miss Bel Air 2025.
"The selection process this year was very difficult, we had so many qualified candidates and young women who were eager to represent the Town of Bel Air and its annual Fourth of July celebration," said Gabrielle Brady, chairperson of the Miss Bel Air Selection Committee. "It was also the first year we had to interview for both a Miss and a Teen! So it was exciting to bring that into the fold this year."
"We couldn’t have done it without our amazing volunteers in the selection process who certainly had their work cut out for them!" Brady added. "I believe Evelyn and Tiara will be great representatives of the town and help us garner more local interest in the program by just being out there in our community and showing our local young women the joy of being part of this organization!"
Kittelberger, the 16th consecutive title holder familiarly known as "Miss Bel Air," and Evelyn Brush, the inaugural Miss Bel Air Teen, will serve as official hostesses and participants in one of the region's largest 4th of July celebrations, taking place from dawn to night on Saturday, July 4, 2026 in the Town of Bel Air, Maryland. Miss Bel Air and Miss Bel Air Teen will also help promote the event to the Town of Bel Air Commissioners, the Harford County Council, and the citizens of greater Bel Air and Harford County, Maryland.
"As your reigning Miss Bel Air, I look forward to being a part of the community and memories of those who make this town so special," Kittelberger said. "Bel Air has a lot of hidden gems and it’s my job to help them shine!"
"I’m most excited to meet the people of Bel Air, and spread the message of my Community Service Initiative: Balance Beyond Standing," Brush said.
The Selection Committee included former Miss Bel Airs Laura Patnaude and Gabrielle Brady, and Board Members Don Stewart, Michael Blum and Lisa Williams.
Kittelberger is currently a Junior Marketing Associate for Noble Prestige Impact. In this position, she puts her Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications to use in helping clients market their products, and manage customer engagement and retention. Evelyn Brush is a freshman at North Harford High School and is part of their magnet program.
Events on Independence Day in Bel Air traditionally include flag-raisings in Bel Air on July 4, and the various family-friendly functions during the day, including the traditional competitive events such as the Water-Balloon Toss, Uncle Sam Says, and the Watermelon Eating Contest. Patriotic flag ceremonies are held in Shamrock Park, Rockfield Park and Town Hall. Finally, Miss Bel Air 2026, as Honorary Grand Marshall, leads the parade down Main Street in Bel Air at 6 pm. Fireworks at about 9:30 pm conclude the day.
Miss Bel Air and/or Miss Bel Air Teen may also appear at or in official or charitable events throughout the calendar year, including the Bel Air Kite Festival, the Bel Air Town Derby, the Harford County Farm Fair, and the annual Town of Bel Air Christmas Parade. They compete for the titles of Miss Maryland and Miss Maryland Teen at the annual Miss Maryland Competition, usually held in late June of each year.
The title and position of Miss Bel Air Independence Day and Miss Bel Air Teen is an honorary one only, with no employment value or compensation to the title holders. No obligation is imposed upon the Bel Air Independence Day Committee towards the title holders, nor is there any obligation imposed upon the title holders, other than the requirements published. The holding of the titles last the calendar year of their choice only, as per the general competition style and expectations. The Committee reserves the right to change or replace holders of these positions if or as needed, at any time, at its sole discretion.
