Despite the heat, Springfield parade welcomes community to celebrate 4th of July

Greta Cross, Springfield News-Leader
·2 min read
The Central High School Kiltie Drum & Bugle Corps marches down North Benton Avenue during the annual Old-Fashioned 4th of July Parade in the Midtown Historic District Monday, July 4.

Camping chairs and blankets spread on the grass in the Midtown Historic District were full of family, friends and even furry pals for Springfield's annual Old Fashioned 4th of July Parade on Monday morning.

The parade began at 10 a.m. at the intersection of Central Street and Drury Lane, ending at Washington Park.

This year's grand marshal was Monica Horton, Springfield's new Zone 1 councilwoman. By her side in an old-fashioned vehicle was her daughter Ari'el.

Following was a line of other vintage cars and trucks, motorcycles, the Victorian Marching Drill Team, political candidate floats, and bringing up the rear, the Central High School Kiltie Drum & Bugle Corps.

Two-year-olds Addison Cook and Evie Majerus were among those collecting candy on North Benton Avenue, making a safe haven for their treats on a blanket surrounded by loved ones.

One of those watching over the candy stash was Anna Cook. It was the family's first time at the parade, which she said was "awesome."

For others, watching the parade is a tradition that they look forward to each year.

Linda Rice and Kathleen Johnson sat in camping chairs in the shade on East Division Street, enjoying the music from the Kilties as they marched by.

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"(The United States) is the only country in the world that we have this freedom and we need to appreciate it and protect it," Johnson said about the importance of celebrating the Fourth of July.

As for later in the day, the women said they planned to watch the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks, held in New York, in the comfort of their air-conditioned homes.

After the parade, folks could enjoy ice cream treats, water and children's games at Washington Park until 1 p.m.

Greta Cross is the trending topics reporter for the Springfield News-Leader. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @gretacrossphoto. Story idea? Email her at gcross@gannett.com

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Fourth of July: Springfield's Old-Fashioned Parade welcomes community