Music and cheers were heard across Edgartown on Friday afternoon as the 181st annual Fourth of July parade wound its way through town.
Islanders and visitors alike lined the streets, seated in folding chairs or standing and cheering as they waited for the first float to arrive.
Grace Vlaun, who is visiting for the summer, was seated on the grass, eager for her first Edgartown parade experience.
“I’ve heard the Preservation Trust float is going to be very good this year, so I’m excited for that,” she said.
Further down Main street, Mary Whitmer and Sydney Taylor waited with anticipation on the curb. Ms. Whitmer was returning for the first time in 20 years to see the parade and brought along Ms. Taylor for her first one ever.
“I’ve liked, even before it started, walking around town seeing everyone in their patriotic wear,” Ms. Taylor said.
Before the parade started, the floats began lining up in the parking lot of the Edgartown School, creating a veritable menagerie of patriotic costumes, colorful floats and quite a few animals. Oxen and alpacas were ready to march, as was the Scottish Society, dressed in kilts and playing bagpipes.
Island Autism chose a Christmas theme for its float, complete with festive outfits (including the Grinch) and a snow machine.
Island Autism board member Nicole Holland said she was looking to spread awareness about the organization.
“We need to raise awareness among both local and summer residents while we’re in the process of building residential housing in West Tisbury,” she said. “Our theme this year is Christmas in Edgartown and we have a snow machine!”
Kelly Joyce, of the Oak Bluffs Tree Stewards, was excited to march for the first time this year.
“This is our first time in the parade and we want to show everyone what we’re doing,” she said
Peter Meleney, also of the Oak Bluffs Tree Stewards, looked forward to spreading awareness about the effort.
“We’re sprinkling happiness with each of our trees and throughout this parade,” he said.
In addition to celebrating the nation’s independence, many also looked to make a statement. Mary Giordano and Vivian Spiro, representing Indivisible Martha’s Vineyard, were seated beside a float with a large red, white and blue shark on top. They wore T-shirts with the phrase: We the People, No Kings in America.
“This is our first time walking in the parade, and we’re celebrating our country and independence, but also protesting,” the women said. “Our country started by protesting a king.”
Barbara-Jean Chauvin, CEO of the Boys and Girls Club, was taking part in the parade for her ninth year.
“We’re here representing the Boys and Girls Club,” she said. “We have a new building that’s going to break ground July 30. We’re so excited and so we have towels, T-shirts — every fundraising opportunity, we’re going to be there.”
When the floats finally hit the streets, Cindy Flanders was waiting at the very start of the parade route to greet everyone.
“We never miss the parade. This is like 25 years in a row,” she said.
Ms. Flanders added that she always looks forward to seeing the quintessentially Vineyard floats come through town.
“My favorite part of the parade are the veterans and Camp Jabberwocky. We also look for the something new,” she said.
As the floats made their way through the streets, the parade-goers went wild, waving and cheering for more.
Ron Gamba was on hand, helping out the Vineyard Preservation Trust, where he has worked for 30 years, helping to restore the historic buildings. The Trust had quite a few floats in the parade this year, all decked out in streamers, flags and filled with lots of thrilled kids.
“I like what the Vineyard Preservation Trust does and I’m in favor of saving old buildings,” Mr. Gamba said.
“They needed a good looking guy with a truck and here I am at the parade,” he added.
Comments (1)
Comments
Comment policy »