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The ‘rain on
their parades’ didn’t hurt enthusiasm
By Bob Robinson
ANSONIA, NEW MADISON – It was a tough day for parades. Attendance was
small in both Ansonia and New Madison for their annual Fourth of July
Independence Day parades. However what the spectators lacked in numbers
they made up for in enthusiasm.
“One year it was raining so hard everyone was gone,” said one parade
enthusiast in Ansonia, “but that band kept right on marching and
playing.”
Another resident glanced up at the gray sky, wiped a few drops of rain
off her forehead and said, “Naw, I don’t think I’ll melt.” Shortly
after that she opened her umbrella.
Mike Rindler had heard about the petting zoo in New Madison and
questioned whether he should take his young daughter there for the
parade and festivities down south.
“What do you think our country would be like today if the founding
fathers had worried about a little rain?”
Rindler grinned. “We’d be in bad shape,” he said. Rindler and his
daughter showed up a couple hours later at the petting zoo, Valley
Exotics out of Eaton.
Umbrellas were the predominant accessories of nearly all those
attending parades, both in Ansonia and New Madison.
On July 3, during New Madison’s Little Mr. & Miss Firecracker
contest, one of the adults said he heard on the radio that the July 4
forecast had been changed from 40 percent possibility to 100 percent.
“They said 60 percent today… didn’t happen,” said another.
On July 4 it happened. The drizzling was intermittent as the parade
started down Main Street just north of New Madison at 3 p.m.
As the flag went by, spectators in Ansonia and New Madison stood in
respect. Some saluted. Some covered their hearts. Those wearing hats
removed them.
Even protective head gear from the rain was temporarily removed in
deference.
What is Independence Day about?
“It’s about celebrating our freedom,” said students Ashlynn Helms and
Lane Shinn. Sarah Sanders said it was about the veterans who “fought
for our country.” Another student, a 10-year-old boy, acknowledged he
didn’t know.
MacKenzie Singer said it was about the “signing of the Declaration of
Independence that gave us our freedom.”
Another child said “Candy!”
She loves parades and the best part of a parade is candy.
“Don’t forget the adults,” said mom. “I raid their candy stash when
they’re done.”
Parade participants in both communities seemed to be especially
generous with their handouts this year… candy, pens, candy, frizbees,
flyers, candy and more.
While the Ansonia parade featured a 21-gun salute and the National
Anthem by Adam Liette and Shelly Lynn, the New Madison parade featured
a new announcer and lots of activities at the local community center
and high school.
Retired volleyball coach Scott Brewer, the regular parade announcer,
turned the mike over to his daughter, Amy Brewer who is running for New
Madison School Board.
“It’s all about exposure,” Brewer told Amy. She made a face at him,
said “I can’t do this,” then proceeded to do it.
The older Brewer was in charge of the festivities at the community
center, which included corn hole and volleyball tournaments. The
grounds to the east of the school, featured wiffle ball tournaments for
two age groups: 12 and under, and 13 and older.
Grand Marshalls are traditional parts of parades. Football coach Eugene
Hoening and his staff were the Grand Marshalls for Ansonia’s parade.
Norman & Barbara Weimer and dog Sisco were the Parade Marshalls for
the New Madison parade. The Weimers have been in business in New
Madison 44 years, selling televisions, electronics and providing other
related services.
The New Madison fireworks went off as scheduled on July 4, while
Ansonia’s were set off on July 6.
See the complete set of photos from the Ansonia Independence Day Parade
here
See the complete set of photos from the New Madison Independence Day
Celebration here
Story published
courtesy of The Early Bird
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