The Fourth of July parade in Round Pond is always a special event, different from all the other parades around the nation in its irreverence. Each year, too, as it becomes better known, it also becomes more crowded. It is important to arrive early to find a good space, for your car and yourself.
One of my personal favorites in this parade is the Tacky Tourists’ Folding Chair Drill Team, and I must admit I was worried as the other marchers and floats went by on Saturday…no Tacky Tourists. Finally, at the very end, they arrived, and went into their appealing drill with the folding chairs. They were worth the wait.
Several handsome horses led the parade, from Masters’ Machine down through the village of Round Pond, followed by the marchers and floats. Notable floats included a wedding, the second one for this parade; Fort William Henry; Save the Steeple; the Damariscotta River Association; the Puffin Project; giant pumpkins; and much, much more, representing many of the businesses in the area. The parade was populated, in fact, by anyone who has a sense of humor.
Even Mother Nature cooperated this year. She allowed the sun to come out during the parade, so the weather was perfect for it. An ideal day, a lot of fun, and that is what it is all about in Round Pond, Maine.
