Almost 10 months after Sept. 11, patriotism will bloom fully on the Vineyard this Thursday as Edgartown invites all Islanders and visitors to its annual Fourth of July parade and fireworks at nightfall.

Parade grand marshal and Edgartown selectman Fred B. Morgan Jr. said the September terrorist attacks have brought out this year "more interest, more participation and more patriotism."

Even though the sun took the Fourth of July off, people
across the Island found plenty of ways to celebrate Independence
Day.

The sharp breezes and daunting sky kept folks off the beach.
A survey of Norton Point Beach at midday showed only a handful
of people, most of whom traded sunblock for sweaters. In fact,
more state police than vacationers braved that territory.

The weather and slow morning nudged people toward their
favorite restaurants for a leisurely breakfast.

The floats were out in force in this year's Fourth of July parade, from fire trucks and classic cars to the Scottish Society in kilts and playing the bagpipes to Camp Jabberwocky which decorated their red bus with a cardboard cut-out of the Olympic Rings.