Everyone loves a parade.
And there’s nothing better than flying Old Glory through Clarkston in the annual Fourth of July Holiday Parade on Monday at 10 a.m.
Once again the Clarkston Jaycees took the lead in organizing the event.
‘We’ve had around 13,000 spectators in the past,? said Parade Coordinator Tim Sievers. ‘You’ll see people who come about half an hour early fighting for a spot along the route.?
The parade route is the most notable change in this year’s festivities. Courtesy of the multitudes of orange barrels and building construction, Clarkston Middle School and Renaissance High School could not be used for parade staging. According to Sievers, St. Daniel’s Catholic Church stepped forward and volunteered their parking lot.
The result is a reversed parade route. The tribute to our nation’s birth will begin at St. Daniel’s Church at the corner of Valley Park and Holcomb Road. The parade will continue east on Miller, turn south on Main St. through downtown, turn east on Church St. and end on Cherry Lawn just past Renaissance High School.
Sievers said he expects between 80 and 100 parade entries. The theme is ‘Independence Through the Decades.?
‘There are a lot of new groups interested in participating. It’s very exciting. The new people and businesses want to participate in this community tradition,? said Sievers. ‘There are all kinds of themes and plenty of freebies. I’m not sure what the freebies will be, it could be anything. People are coming up with new things every year.?
For those showing up early to get that perfect viewing spot, two different stages (one in front of the Independence Township Hall and one downtown in front of Clarkston State Bank) will play music up until the 10 a.m. start time. During the parade, the emcees will read facts about each entry.
The American Legion Post 63 Honor Guard will again lead off the parade. Upon reaching the main stage in front of Clarkston State Bank, the honor guard will present the colors while Clarkston High School senior Kristen Mercado sings the National Anthem.
‘I like the bands and the music,? said Sievers. ‘For me, the National Anthem is very powerful with the veterans presenting the colors.
‘This is a fun, exciting tradition, but this is also a celebration and remembrance of our nation’s history? we’re remembering the commitment and contributions of those who came before us. That’s why we picked the theme we did.?
A favorite of children of all ages, and a beautiful display of the dedication of the nation’s fighting men and women, is a fly over from Selfridge Air Base. Sievers said he is uncertain of a time, but the fly over should happen during the parade.
‘We just never know about those,? he stated.
For entrants in the parade, a judging will be held in the staging area to select first, second and third place winners; the recipient of the Judge’s Choice Award; and the winner of the Best Use of Theme award. Prizes range from $100-$300.
Still another change this year is the addition of the Homeowner Patriotism Contest for those living along the parade route. Organizers will present awards to first, second and third place homes displaying the Best Show of Patriotism. Prizes include certificates to Bordine’s Nursery.
Finally, every year, the parade has a Grand Marshall who is honored during the celebration and receives the privilege of judging the floats. This year, Sievers decided to get someone very special.
‘One of the things I wanted to do was recognize those soldiers who are currently serving,? he explained. ‘I’ve been working to get an active-duty serviceperson home from Iraq or Afghanistan.?
Unfortunately, at press time, Sievers did not have the name of an individual. He hoped to have a soldier in line early in the week.
‘I can’t think of anything that symbolizes more what this holiday stands for,? concluded Sievers.
After the parade, please make sure to travel to Clintonwood Park where Independence Township Parks and Recreation has set a day full of activities leading to the annual fireworks display at dusk.