The Local Parade with International Appeal
/At least 20,000 people, folks from all over the North Country, the US and the world -- we hear there are several Aussies vacationing here this year – are expected for Monday’s July 4th Parade.
Organizer Kate Huston says this year’s parade, in the planning stages since last year’s ended, will feature a lot of music.
"I’m really pleased that we have so much music in the parade and in the day’s activities," Kate told Schroon Laker.
And if you want one of the best seats in the house, get there early. We hear folks starting placing their folding chairs along the route in downtown early in the morning.
The parade starts at 6 pm at the staging area near the Town Garage on Hoffman Road and winds its way north up Route 9. The parade is led by the Essex County Sheriff, followed by a color guard, before our proud, area veterans.
“For a small place we have a lot of veterans participating,” Kate said.
There will be numerous floats, a lot of antique cars and a many first responders in their rigs from Schroon and neighboring towns. The parade will honor The Schroon Lake Association -- named organization of the year by the SL Chamber of Commerce and the Lion's Club "Lion" of The Year.
And we’d like to give our own Schroon Laker hat tip to Kate herself. Kate works tirelessly -- unpaid – to bring volunteers and the hundreds of moving parts together to make this happen.
In fact, just two short years ago the parade’s future was in jeopardy when the long time organizer fell ill. “Cathy Moses (Town Supervisor) asked me if I could do it. If they couldn’t find a replacement, there wasn’t going to be a parade that year.”
Kate gives a big shout out to her husband John, “her mainstay”. "There is something very satisfying to stand and watch the parade and see how it all comes together.” The fireworks begin at dusk after the parade ends.
For a full run down of the day’s activities, click here. Got insider tips to where the best places are to watch the parade that you’d like to share? Tell us in comments! And let us know if you have out of town or international guests.
