On the ground and in the air, the Clarkston area celebrated Independence Day in a big way.
Festivities on Saturday, July 3 included the traditional parade through downtown Clarkston, followed by the Festival of Fun and evening fireworks at Clintonwood Township Park.
Parade watchers generated almost as much color and excitement as the marchers and floats. Richard Lamphere was resplendent in a stars-and-stripes outfit depicting his attitude.
‘I’m a patriot,? he said. ‘I love America.?
A Clarkston resident since 1963, Lamphere said he has been a parade regular for many years.
‘I like the inspiration of the people. It shows the love for America from everybody,? he said.
Ron Downey sported a red-white-and-blue hat shaped into the ‘V for victory? sign. Another regular parade attender, he said organizers outdid themselves this year.
‘I love everything. I love the jets flying over. It’s wonderful,? he said. ‘Every year more and more people come. It’s a nice, wholesome thing and everybody has a good time.?
Military jets flew low over Main Street during the parade, adding to the pageantry of flags, veterans, active duty servicemen and stories of military service read over the public address system.
Ann Johns Downey noted something for everyone in the parade, including, ‘the national anthem at the start of it, and all the candy for the kids. The kids have a great time.?
Cheryl Pellicci, president of the Clarkston Jaycees, is pleased with the positive comments. This is the first year the Jaycees helped with coordination of the parade, formerly organized totally by the Independence Township Fire Department.
The two entities worked together this year, and Pellicci said, ‘Everything went great.?
Organizers started the day at 6:30 a.m., setting up stages and barricades, and did not end their work until cleanup finished around 12:30 p.m.
About 89 entrants were in this year’s parade, only about half of whom pre-registered. Pellicci said they’ll work harder to promote pre-registration next year.
While the candy and other free handouts are a definite draw, Pellicci said there are continuing safety concerns with children edging out into the street. In several places, barricades were torn down by the eager candy seekers.
An especially challenging location was the corner of Main and Church streets, where some longer floats had some difficulty in making the wide turn.
‘One of our goals is to make sure everyone stays safe,? Pellicci said.
Clintonwood Park was full of folks having fun throughout the day. Some opted for a leisurely picnic atmosphere, while elsewhere kids could enjoy a variety of games and everyone enjoyed lots of food and live entertainment.