"The Best Forth of July Parade in America", Barkhamsted's First selectmen, Michael Fox, proclaimed as he took the microphone following the flag presentation ceremony. Barkhamsted's very own Star Band had just preformed a fabulous rendition of the National Anthem. First Selectman Fox went on to thank all of the volunteers who contribute their time to the numerous organizations that support the town. "This town runs on volunteers" he stated, and graciously thanked those involved.
I must agree with Selectman Fox. Barkhamsted does have the best 4th of July parade in America! Sponsored by the Barkhamsted Lions Club, it's an event the entire town turns out for. I love the small town feel as the residents gather along West River Rd and participants ready for the parade. The parade route is lined with beautiful old homes decorated with flags and banners on one side and the Farmington river on the other. Old friends and neighbors greet each other and pull up their folding chairs, kids are everywhere, and everybody is smiling.
The parade was great once everyone got set. The United States and Connecticut state flags were proudly marched up the center of the West River road. The town dump truck followed with a sign on the front stating that it's the "Town Pool". The truck was in fact towing the town pool on a flat bed trailer. An inflatable kiddies pool filled with water and the towns very own Synchronized Swimming Selectman. The parade continued with the Lions club, Parade Marshall, Star Band (50 members strong), Barkhamsted Historical Society, Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, Brownies, Barkhamsted East Fire, Winn Downs, Vote for Winner, Republican party, Democrat Party, Barkhamsted Land Trust, Girls Softball All Star Champions, Boy's Baseball and then there was a pause. I heard some people asking if it was over. I walked to the center of the road to get a better view and then the rest of the procession appeared followed by the Leader of the Pack . A four or five year old boy in a little electric race car was leading the rest of the parade. The crowd chucked at the sight.
Once the rest of the procession arrived, candies were tossed from a cool dune buggy, Riverton Volunteer Fire Dept, Pleasant Valley Volunteer Fire, CAT Lawn tractor, various town and state vehicles, Hot rods, Prize Llamas, United Methodist Church, Peoples State Forest with Smoky the Bear, marching Pleasant Valley Volunteers, fire and emergency equipment brought up the rear followed by a Prize Poodle being chauffeured in a convertible. Truly the Best Forth of July Parade in America. Check out more photos here.
I love the Forth of July. It's one of my favorite holidays. After, the parade I felt great. My family and I listened to patriotic music all afternoon and that evening we watched the classic 1972 movie 1776. I would highly recommend it.
Happy Birthday America!