Craigville’s first 4th of July Parade - 1976

The July 4th parade is an annual tradition that transforms our village streets, bikes and recently cars (due to pandemic) into a rolling wave of red, white and blue. Started in 1976 by village residents Anne Herrick and Julie Gavitt, the holiday event has evolved from a few musicians playing out of an antique truck called “Homer,” owned by Ray Garraghan, to a variety of musical playlists broadcast from within the marching crowd.

Marking America’s Bicentennial in 1976, the Village parade was born. Organizers gathered the community at the Bluff for a march to the Green. They followed behind a band playing patriotic tunes from the back of a pick-up truck. It marked the beginning of decades of festive holiday celebration.

Today, the day starts on the Green with villagers decorating bikes, wagons, carriages and scooters in preparation for the late- afternoon procession through the streets. A multitude of balloons, patriotic swags and US flags adorn the passing cottages, as those not marching in the parade cheer on the participants. Following the parade, the community convenes at the Green for a patriotic singing of the national anthem and a celebratory program.

Over the years, the parade has gone in many fun directions--- including women waving beach noodles and men dressed in skirts parading through the streets. That was the year Bill Ryan, father of Sheila Lahey, composed the following poem of the 2000 July 4th parade. (penned under his prolific pseudonym Brevor Tyler)

Dave Gavitt and Skip Danforth on the Bluff
for July 4, 1976 first parade.

Taken on Bicentennial Sunday, July 4, 1976— the Craigville kids are all gathering on the Bluff for the first 4th of July parade.

Gus Riley is pictured front and center. Also here are Margaret and Martha (nee Riley) and Dede Danforth.