Historic town preserves sense of celebration

While many parades seem overly organized and repetitious, this historic town of 79 people celebrated America's independence with enthusiasm. At times the division between participants and spectators was blurred, as those who chose to join the procession lined their tractors behind the leading Arrow Rock Fire Department engine, grabbed a kazoo and joined the marching band or tossed candy to the crowd that bordered the street.

Susan Nashan and Jim Tomlin, of Carrollton, enjoyed the view from beneath an awning of a Main Street business.

"Every time there's something going on in Arrow Rock we come," Nashan said. "We try to make it to a play every year," -- as did many visitors who followed up with a matinee production of "Red, White & Tuna" at the Lyceum Theatre.

Part of the parade's appeal was the procession past Main Street homes and businesses; buntings lined banisters and fence railings and onlookers waved from verandas, soaking in camaraderie, tea and celebration.

DAR members Rosemary Kelly and Mary Burge led the parade with a hand-crocheted American flag, made by the DAR in 1951.

Everyone made six pieces of the flag, Burge said, and it was pieced together.

When the kazoo band reached the end of the street it performed multiple patriotic songs including "God Bless America" and began a spontaneous rendition of "The Star Spangled Banner."

With hands on hearts and eyes on Old Glory, the entire crowd contributed then burst into applause with the words "home of the brave."

Referred to as a parade for anyone and everyone, many felt reminiscent for a past time they had never known, missing a point in history when parades had meaning. Some visitors came because they enjoy the events offered in town throughout the year. Whatever the reason, visitors left smiling.

Other events at the celebration included tug-of-war, sack races and tours of the town.

Contact Sarah Reed at marshallreporter@socket.net