If you’ve had it with phony parades with lackluster crowds and no heart, then head east, my friend, to Salem. This is one town that truly loves her parades!
They start lining up along the streets around 3:30, but the parade doesn’t start until 5pm. It’s time to catch up, to see the kids who’ve returned from college for the summer and the families you haven’t seen in awhile. Time to see all manner of fire engines and listen to the bands – including America’s oldest marching band from Cambridge! And the Mettawee Valley Players are always on hand with their magical puppet/costume wizardry. This is a small town festival on a large town scale. It’s real, and it’s Americana at its best. After the parade, there is a small, old-fashioned carnival with bingo, ring tosses, etc. and the best prizes you can win are the home-baked goodies. It’s fun – especially with a date – and then at 9:30pm you’ve got your fireworks…the largest in the area. If you’re looking for a real parade, some good old-fashioned carnival fun and a spectacular fireworks display, make Salem your destination this July 4.
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