RIDGEFIELD — On Independence Day the typically quiet community of Ridgefield was transformed into an epicenter of patriotic celebration as thousands of people lined the streets to enjoy the city’s Fourth of July parade.
Parked cars lined the shoulder of state Highway 501 well outside the city limits. The parade kicked off at 11 a.m. and ran through the heart of the city. Seating was hard to come by for those who didn’t get there early. The sidewalks were clogged with families, friends and the occasional dog in sunglasses. Spectators waved flags and chased candy from passing floats.
“We handed out 1,500 American flags, and you can hardly spot them,” said Festivities Director Sandy Schill. “It’s a good indication of how many people are here.”
Parade organizers estimate that about 5,000 people per year come to town for the day’s festivities, but it’s doubtful many of them know more about the city than this year’s grand marshal.
Wearing a huge Uncle Sam-style top hat, John Burrow rode shotgun in an antique car at the head of the parade. Tuesday marks his 101st birthday. He’s been a resident of the Ridgefield area for all but six of the city’s 107 years.
This year’s parade followed the theme “go for the gold.” The theme actually was supposed to be “Olympics,” but that couldn’t be used because the word is trade marked by the International Olympic Committee, Schill said.
Still, many of the 72 parade entrants embraced the spirit of the of the Games. The Ridgefield City Council rode in the parade dressed in togas and wearing laurel wreaths in their hair. At least one fake Olympic torch was seen running along the route.
Perhaps the strongest echoes of the spirit of the Olympic Games was in the music. The parade started with bagpipers and included floats of several American-style rock bands, a mariachi band and a group of Mexican folk dancers.
Due to funding issues, Ridgefield wasn’t able to have a fireworks show this year. But if the crowd was aware they certainly didn’t seem bothered; they celebrated the day’s festivities with great enthusiasm.
“People love to come out to this parade,” Schill said.
