It was the Fourth of July in proper Marion style again this year with the return of the fireworks, a rain-free Tuesday for the parade, and the longstanding tradition of the Marion Horse Show at Washburn Park, all coalescing to make for the perfect day.
Police estimates peg the massive crowd on Sunday night at Silvershell Beach at around 6,000 people. Some drove and some pedaled their bikes while others walked, blankets and beach chairs in tow, to find the perfect spot to watch the fireworks over Sippican Harbor. The Marion Concert Band’s rendition of patriotic songs blasted out over the loudspeakers leading right up to the start of the fireworks shortly after 9:00 pm.
Then by 9:00 am Tuesday morning, the village streets were lined with stars and stripes -saturated spectators for the parade. Flamboyant floats, flashy fire trucks, and fancy cars filed through the streets. Children scurried to collect the scattered candy and gum tossed out by passing floats. Dogs were decked out in decorum. Little kids waved little flags in their little hands for the big celebration, stopping only to gather up the next explosion of sweets landing at their feet.
Over at Washburn Park things were much more peaceful. Riders in their tall black leather boots, blue velvet riding jackets and other equestrian attire cantered in deep concentration as the judges watched keenly, the spectators silent and snapping photos.
This 2017 Fourth of July was a blue-ribbon year for Marion, memorable enough to sustain should it ever again rain on Marion’s parade.
By Jean Perry