Under beautiful skies, thousands of spectators turned out and made this year’s 4th of July Parades one of the best ever.

The floats were imaginative, the bands great and everyone wore big smiles throughout the parade, which kicked off promptly at 6pm.

Kids scrambled to catch candy, Frisbees, water bottles and other freebies, as some parade participants did the “doody dance” trying to avoid a few surprise July 4 packages, left behind by several excited horses in the parade.

There were big cheers for veterans, service organizations and Kate Huston, the Grand Marshal (and organizer) of the event.

Among the highlights: The float carrying the wedding party of newly weds of Carl and Rannei Rambow --  with the Blues Brothers band supplying the soundtrack to their first hours as husband and wife.

Then there was the very engaging and fun Funky Karnaval Percussion Comic Act, a patriotic clad Kate Huston riding in a convertible, the Schroon Lake Public Library/Friends of the Library Float with kids reading and dreaming about their futures, the Schroon Lake Association’s float featuring larger than life models of invasive species, the Snowman atop the “snow” covered Schroon Lake North Hudson Snow Mobile Club float, the Schroon Lake Fish and Game Club’s float honoring Eagle Scout Chris Veverka,  the Word Of Life float honoring veterans of all wars and the Schroon Lake Community Church’s float with the ‘Ties That Bind’ theme.

After the parade hundreds descended upon the bars and restaurants of Main Street. Lines out the door were a common sight. A thirsty pipe band entertained patrons at Flanagan’s Pub.

“I loved the sense of community and festive atmosphere,” Melissa Alonso, visiting from New York City told us. “Schroon Lake is small town with a big spirit.”

“It was so quaint. It was like Mayberry in the mountains,” said Bob Gallihar, also a first time visitor from New York said.

All day long downtown Schroon was hoping. Crowds rocked out to music all day long at the new stage location atop near the grassy area at the top of the beach

“Love, love, love having the bands close to the beach. Great stuff!!,” JoAnne Mocker Piterniak posted on Facebook.

Just feet away kids enjoyed face painting and other activities. In town restaurants were packed and parking was hard to come by. The annual Community Church Barbecue sold out early.

“Kudos to Schroon Lake Community Church for the amazing chicken BBQ lunch. Really enjoyed it...one of my favorite 4th of July traditions!,” Joanne said.

The annual Schroon Lake Chamber of Commerce basket raffle was “one of the best ever”, Rosemarie Ritson, from the Chamber told us today.

“We haven’t done the final tally yet, but the raffle will either be the best or second best we have ever had,” Rosemarie said. Funds raised from the raffle help run the chamber.

Earlier in the day hundreds claimed prize spots early on the grass above the beach. Many laid out lavish picnics.

And a hungry crowd ate everything the Lions Club Cook Shack had to offer. Town Supervisor Mike Marnell claimed it was “a very good day”.

“I think the crowd was as good as last year,” Mike told us last night.