Though there were no fireworks scheduled, the Marion Independence Day Parade still went on! Following a night of spontaneous wind and rain, many gathered along Main, Spring and Front streets to celebrate the 4th. There were some branches down and large puddles along the parade route, though none were obstructive enough to affect the celebration. The parade began at 9:00 am approaching the corner of Main Street and Spring Street by the Marion Town House.
Leading the parade were the Wareham Minutemen and Militia Company followed by the Marion Select Board. Chair Randy Parker, Vice Chair John Hoagland, and Clerk Norm Hills were present with matching outfits, hats, and star-spangled-banner ties.
Veterans rode in a US Army Willys Jeep, followed by trucks from the Marion Highway Division and one towing a float with more veterans on board. The Marion Art Center (MAC) showed off their purple and white balloon adornments, and Marion Scout Troop 32 joined in, waving flags and passing out candy.
Many community-based participants and floats followed, featuring the Friends of Jack and joined by area merchants and service providers. A train of Jeeps, Broncos, classic Chevy trucks, Ford station wagons, and antique cars also rolled through. Acting as the caboose was the Marion Fire Department’s Ladder #1 fire truck, sporting a US flag grill at its front. The truck blared its horn to the cheer of many, though some did cover their ears.
Opposed to the hectic storm the night before, Friday’s great weather and smiles all around led to a massive success for the parade.
Marion Independence Day Parade 2025
By Sam Bishop