Oak Bluffs and Aquinnah were flooded with red, white and blue Friday morning as the two towns held their annual Fourth of July parades.
American flags, blue and red streamers, and tinsel flew as a large group of children marched on Clinton avenue and Trinity Circle in the Martha’s Vineyard Camp Meeting Association’s Children’s Fourth of July parade.
Penelope Zikakis and her mother, Katie, were walking for their second year. Face painted with patriotic colors and hair full of bright glitter, Penelope was excited to be celebrating.
“My favorite part is saying happy Fourth of July,” she said.
As kids on decorated scooters, bikes, and strollers made their way around the campgrounds, the parade marchers were cheered on by cottage homeowners and spectators.
Kevin Lyttle was sitting outside on his porch, decorated with Fourth of July banners and garlands, watching the parade go by with a smile on his face.
“We’ve watched it for many years,” he said. “It’s a big event around here, we love to see the kids, they get all dressed up and they’re parents as well, it’s a fun time.”
Mr. Lyttle and his family have been involved in and watching the parade ever since his daughter started marching in it.
“Our daughter, who is now 35, used to be in the band, so a number of years, probably 20 years at least,” he said.
For several families, the parade is a tradition they look forward to each year.
Kristen Slagmolen, pushing a tinsel-covered stroller with her kids Gabriella, Daniella, and Luella, said this was her family’s sixth-year marching in the parade. The three girls all had their own favorite parts of being involved.
“Celebrating the flags. I also like the banners,” said Gabriella. “I like the colorful houses,” Daniella added.
Friends Penelope Haddad and Kelly Fletcher, watching on the lawn of Ms. Fletcher’s home, grew up taking part in the parade.
“I started coming here when I was eight, and I think every summer, me and Kelly would be in the parade biking, we decked out the bikes,” Ms. Haddad said.
The two reflected on what it’s like now as they watch the younger generation do the same. “I did it every year for 12 years, since I was born, and I always remember thinking how cool it was the older girls cheering you on, and now that’s me,” Ms. Fletcher said.
For others, it was their first year joining the festivities. Joanna Marnell and her daughter Zoe marched for the first time wearing red and white dresses and stars painted on their faces.
“It was very fun. I loved seeing all the kids so excited and dressed up, and even the parade leaders,” Joanna said.
As the parade ended, kids ran over to tables set up outside the Tabernacle for Hoodsie cups and watermelon slices as the adults mingled and joined in on the Fourth of July fun.
On the western tip of Martha’s Vineyard, a small but enthusiastic ensemble of parade-goers gathered mid-morning Friday to celebrate the anniversary of American independence as a part of the 24th annual Aquinnah Fourth of July parade.
Beginning at the corner of Moshup Trail and Old South Road, a festive line of about 20 vehicles made the trip to Aquinnah Circle, cheering while waving flags and sporting red, white and blue.
In its nearly quarter century, the Aquinnah parade has grown from a kids’ parade into a car parade for all ages.
“We’ve been doing this since 2002, and we joined in because, mainly, we didn’t want to drive to Edgartown,” Lisa Donahue, whose family summers at a house near the start of the parade, said while handing out blue beaded necklaces and American flags. “It’s a wonderful community and a great thing to do with your kids.”
Down from the house, an assortment of cars lined up for the parade, decorated thoroughly. A Mini Cooper with American flags plastered all over was followed by trucks and paint-covered Jeeps, with flailing legs of kids and adults hanging out the sides. One truck had a blown-up bald eagle on the top of it with streamers on the sides, sure to excite those it passed by.
Serena Connelly and Anne Slater were putting the final touches on their vehicles and offered up more necklaces and candy to passersby.
“We summer here in Chilmark and love to join in on this local event,” said Ms. Connelly, wearing a T-shirt that sported the phrase “Mind your own uterus.”
For the pair, this parade was a time when they could protest and express the values that are near and dear to them.
“It’s a way to be politically active and pro-choice,” said Anne Slater. “America is a rainbow.”
Vineyarders and visitors alike join in to have a fun time with a welcoming community.
“I’ve been going every year since it started,” said Robin Smith, who’s lived in Chilmark for many years. “It started as a little kids’ parade, and each year it grows.”
The family behind the Outermost Inn brings at least three cars to the parade every year, strewn with red, white, and blue banners.
Isaac Taylor, a year-round resident of the Island and brother to Alexandra Taylor, who runs the Outermost, stood with Ms. Smith as people continued to decorate their floats.
“We’re a part of this every year,” Mr. Taylor said. “It’s a way to express our unique patriotism and an opportunity to celebrate or come together and reflect.”
For some families, it is their first year participating. With lots of little kids running around excited for candy, Katherine Wilson and her family were delighted to be in on the fun. She also saw it as an educational moment.
“It’s our first year doing this for the kids,” said Ms. Wilson. “We’re not pro-American, but we’re pro the idea of liberty and justice, which is not the reality today. We’re teaching our kids that.”
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