Fourth of July Parade, Old Mill Point style!

It was a beautiful day for a parade.

The annual Fourth of July neighborhood parade kicked off promptly at 6 p.m., starting at Sam and Jenn Massoni's home on Pine Way, led by a decorated white SUV blasting music.

The number of parade marchers seemed markedly increased - much to the delight of spectators! Lots of decorated bikes, trikes and scooters, as well a a few wagons and strollers made their way through The Point - around Strandway, down Riverway and back to the starting point for popsicles and awards - but from where I was standing, every one of these kids was a winner!

 

Happy Fourth of July 2013!

More Parade Photos...and the Wagon Brigade

One of the things I like best about the annual Old Mill Point parade is the "floats." The largest ones are wagon-sized, with adorable little kids enjoying their first (or maybe second) expereince of "marching" in a parade. Soon enough they'll "graduate" to wanting to ride their own decorated bike or scooter, leaving their parents and grandparents on the side of the road to cheer.

This year there were more wagons than ever in the parade!

Usually it's only the person pulling the wagon who has the festive Red Cup in hand. But this Fourth of July, I noticed a surprising new trend amongst the "waggoneers"...



... in that some of the older "kids" seemed to be trying to relive their earlier parade experiences... and merging the Wagon Brigade with the Red Cup Brigade...


It was fun to see and I applaud the young people who jumped into those wagons! It certainly made me smile - and made me wonder what fun ideas will emerge in next year's parade!

Did You See the Fourth of July Parade?

The annual Old Mill Point Fourth of July parade kicked off a little after 6 p.m. last night, starting at the Doyle house on Pine Lane. The Doyle family organizes this annual event every year - and the whole neighborhood joins in!

The parade was led by a new vehicle this year, but no less festive than the old Jeep, and the music was just as loud! The start car is then trailed by an assortment of bicycles, strollers, wagons, scooters, and the Red Cup Brigade.

The neighborhood streets were lined with spectators, and lots of small children who merged with the parade as it rolled past their homes.

Most of the kids dressed up and decked out their vehicles for the occasion!

The Chatham parade may have the tiny Shriner cars, but we had a pink electric Barbie Jeep, decorated with red, white and blue trimmings.

Sometimes the simplest costumes are the best...

Some of the crowd were also dressed in festive attire, libations in hand to toast the parade. It was a great time to greet old friends and exchange holiday hellos throughout the neighborhood.

Another successful parade in Old Mill Point! Big thanks and kudos to the Doyle family for keeping up this wonderful holiday tradition!