the bistro off broadway
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The ‘rain on their parades’ didn’t hurt enthusiasm
By Bob Robinson

ANSONIA, NEW MADISON – It was a tough day for parades. Attendance was small in both Ansonia and New Madison for their annual Fourth of July Independence Day parades. However what the spectators lacked in numbers they made up for in enthusiasm.

“One year it was raining so hard everyone was gone,” said one parade enthusiast in Ansonia, “but that band kept right on marching and playing.”

Another resident glanced up at the gray sky, wiped a few drops of rain off her forehead and said, “Naw, I don’t think I’ll melt.” Shortly after that she opened her umbrella.

Mike Rindler had heard about the petting zoo in New Madison and questioned whether he should take his young daughter there for the parade and festivities down south.

“What do you think our country would be like today if the founding fathers had worried about a little rain?”

Rindler grinned. “We’d be in bad shape,” he said. Rindler and his daughter showed up a couple hours later at the petting zoo, Valley Exotics out of Eaton.

Umbrellas were the predominant accessories of nearly all those attending parades, both in Ansonia and New Madison.

On July 3, during New Madison’s Little Mr. & Miss Firecracker contest, one of the adults said he heard on the radio that the July 4 forecast had been changed from 40 percent possibility to 100 percent.

“They said 60 percent today… didn’t happen,” said another.

On July 4 it happened. The drizzling was intermittent as the parade started down Main Street just north of New Madison at 3 p.m.

As the flag went by, spectators in Ansonia and New Madison stood in respect. Some saluted. Some covered their hearts. Those wearing hats removed them.

Even protective head gear from the rain was temporarily removed in deference.

What is Independence Day about?

“It’s about celebrating our freedom,” said students Ashlynn Helms and Lane Shinn. Sarah Sanders said it was about the veterans who “fought for our country.” Another student, a 10-year-old boy, acknowledged he didn’t know.

MacKenzie Singer said it was about the “signing of the Declaration of Independence that gave us our freedom.”

Another child said “Candy!”

She loves parades and the best part of a parade is candy.

“Don’t forget the adults,” said mom. “I raid their candy stash when they’re done.”

Parade participants in both communities seemed to be especially generous with their handouts this year… candy, pens, candy, frizbees, flyers, candy and more.

While the Ansonia parade featured a 21-gun salute and the National Anthem by Adam Liette and Shelly Lynn, the New Madison parade featured a new announcer and lots of activities at the local community center and high school.

Retired volleyball coach Scott Brewer, the regular parade announcer, turned the mike over to his daughter, Amy Brewer who is running for New Madison School Board.

“It’s all about exposure,” Brewer told Amy. She made a face at him, said “I can’t do this,” then proceeded to do it.

The older Brewer was in charge of the festivities at the community center, which included corn hole and volleyball tournaments. The grounds to the east of the school, featured wiffle ball tournaments for two age groups: 12 and under, and 13 and older.

Grand Marshalls are traditional parts of parades. Football coach Eugene Hoening and his staff were the Grand Marshalls for Ansonia’s parade. Norman & Barbara Weimer and dog Sisco were the Parade Marshalls for the New Madison parade. The Weimers have been in business in New Madison 44 years, selling televisions, electronics and providing other related services.

The New Madison fireworks went off as scheduled on July 4, while Ansonia’s were set off on July 6.

See the complete set of photos from the Ansonia Independence Day Parade here

See the complete set of photos from the New Madison Independence Day Celebration here

Story published courtesy of The Early Bird


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