Home » Titusville 4th of July parade returns to make happy memories.

Titusville 4th of July parade returns to make happy memories.

by Amie Rukenstein

Some people refer to Titusville as Mayberry RFD, referencing its small town, old time feel. No where is that more evident than at the annual July 4th parade. Local lore has it that the parade hadn’t t missed a year since World War II, but that streak was broken last year as everyone quarantined during the COVID-19 pandemic. Fortunately, the parade returned this year with gusto. Fine weather, wide-eyed children, marching scout troops, elected officials distributing candy, big firetrucks, and a loose puppy that eluded its owner by serpentining through amused onlookers all made for a festive celebration.

Life-long Titusville resident Judy Niederer was on hand as usual to enthusiastically emcee the baby parade, bike parade, and main parade. The Grand Marshall this year was UPS driver John Loughlin, honored by the community for his commitment as an essential worker during the pandemic and the scholarship winner was Angelina Bowman. The parade was preceded by a benediction from a member of the Titusville Presbyterian church, the pledge of alleigance, and a stunning a capella rendition of the national anthem by Madeline Carleton, Camille Ladendorf, Jimmy Waldman, and Koji Sakano. Between the three parades, local band the Riverdogs entertained the crowd.

4th of July parade Committee Chair Jamie Swanson shared: “This year we were proud to celebrate our Independence back in the village we love. Titusville took 2020 to stay safe at home. We don’t regret that commitment to safety, but hoped and dreamed of day we could get BACK TO FUN in 2021.

“I am so proud our dedicated committee could bring back this tradition for our children and neighbors. We laughed, we planned, we worked very hard, and we love Titusville.

“We were lucky to have over 70 Baby and Bike Parade Participants, 24 Big Parade Floats, and of course, the support of our Union Fire Company and Rescue Squad leading the valley Fire and EMS services. River Drive was packed with smiles and Red, White, and Blue and we can’t wait until 2022!”

Edited 7/5/21 at 6:50 pm to correct identification of Barbara Matlack and add a photo of Jamie Swanson.

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