By George P. Hassett Somerville is presidential. If you doubt it, just check out the history. This Sunday, July 4 will mark 100 years since President Howard Taft came to Somerville to celebrate the nation's birthday and take part in the local parade. Taft greeted about 200,000 onlookers and notable politicians of the day, such as John "Honey" Fitzgerald, from a stand ion Central Hill in the first ever official appearance of a sitting president in the city. "It was Somerville's day in the sun," said Somerville historian Bob Doherty. The city's last Civil War veteran to serve as mayor, John M. Woods, thanked citizens for their "pure patriotism and high character" during the event.

"From the ringing of the bells in the morning to the last piece of fireworks at night everything gave the most positive evidence that Somerville stands in the front rank as a libert loving, law-abiding municipality. The President of the United States expressed himself as most highly pleased at the magnificent welcome he received here and with the parade and every arrangement made for his pleasure, comfort and safety," Woods wrote in a thank you letter to the public.

One hundred years later, Somerville celebrates the fourth of July a bit differently, but still with enthusiasm.

On July 1, festivities begin at 6 p.m. at Trum Field with disco-funk band, Booty Vortex. Also appearing: the Somerville Sunsetters, USO performers and a Navy band pops ensemble. A 30-minute fireworks display is scheduled to light up the sky at at 9:15 p.m.