submitted by Jean Barber and Carol Alderman
The Berlin Fourth of July Parade – the only one in Rensselaer County – stepped off on Independence Day at 11 am sharp. Proudly leading the way was local American Legion Taconic Valley Post #937. [private]Right behind in John Kellar’s 1950 Jeepster was the Parade Grand Marshal, Berlin Town Historian Sharon Klein, joined by her husband, Karl. This year’s theme, “American Adventures” brought out a variety of creative float entries and costumed marchers.
The parade was one of the longest in recent history and was well attended on what was a very hot, humid day. Bands, floats, veterans, fire companies, civic organizations, antique and classic cars, equestrian units from both local and surrounding neighborhoods, joined in the celebration. Following the Parade, the Hill Hollow Band provided entertainment outside the Firehouse while Parade participants and spectators enjoyed some social time. Much appreciated cold beverages were provided for parade participants compliments of the Berlin Fire Company.
In addition to Berlin, the following fire companies participated in the parade: Eagle Mills, Grafton, Hoosick Falls, Melrose, Mountain View, Petersburgh, Pleasantville, Raymertown, Speigletown, Stephentown and West Sand Lake.
The bands included the Sons and Daughters of Erin from Albany, the Red Caps Marching Band from Gloversville, the Hill Hollow Band from Petersburgh, the Squeeze Play Accordion Band from Delmar and the Berlin High School Marching Band.
PRIZES
Grand Prize
Pony Express by the 4-H Cantering Cowpokes
Theme Prizes
First Prize – “Amelia Earhart and Old Bessie” by the Oswald family
Second Prize – American Legion Auxiliary
Funniest
First Prize – The Clowns of Airoc Court #42
Second Prize – Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show by the Maxon family
Prettiest
First Prize – “Woodstock” by the Goodermote & Jansen families
Second Prize – Campers at Broken Wheel Campground
Marching Groups
First Prize – Boy Scout Troop 222
Second Prize – The Churches of Berlin
Third Prize – Cub Scout Pack 911
Horseback Riders
First Prize – 4-H Cantering Cowpokes
Second Prize – Matthew DeShane
Third Prize – Cole DeShane
Costumed Walkers
First Prize – Taconic Valley Historical Society
Second Prize – Berlin Parade Committee
Farm Equipment
First Prize – Uriah Burhans – 1953 John Deere Tractor
Second Prize – James Wager – 1956 Case Tractor
Automobiles Antique
First Prize – Charlie Bartholomucci – 1929 Ford
Second Prize – Kent Goodermote – 1931 Ford Convertible
Third Prize – Heidi Addison Colin – 1944 Jeep
Automobiles Classic/Modified
First Prize – Dan Herrick – 1970 Cadillac
Second Prize – Tim Whitman – 1974 Cadillac
Third Prize – Murray Saunders – 1946 Chevrolet Panel Truck
Fire Companies
Best Appearing – Pleasantdale Fire Department
Most In Line – Petersburgh Fire Department
Appreciation
The Parade Committee thanks all those who helped to make the Parade a memorable event: Town Supervisor Robert Jaeger and the Town Board for their endorsement, the Rensselaer County Sheriff’s Department for traffic control, the judges who had the difficult task of selecting prize winners, the Parade line-up crew – Bill Osterhout, Jr., Kent Goodermote, Charlie Osterhout, David Morse and Dean Maxon, Grand Marshal and Dairy Princess escorts John Kellar and Dave Shuhart respectively, the Berlin Rescue Squad for distributing water to parade participants along the Parade route, the Berlin Volunteer Fire Company for providing complimentary beverages for Parade participants, assistance with traffic control and use of their parking lot, the community churches for use of their parking lots, Pam Gerstel for her part in providing the port-a-potty at the school, the Parade Committee “clowns” Sally Smith and Cathy Russell and their assistant Bridget Hermann along with Anna Rizzo for handing out bubbles, fun and flags along the Parade route, all complimentary of the Parade Committee.
Without monetary support from businesses, groups and individuals the parade would not be possible. The Committee is extremely grateful for the generous donations.
If you enjoy the Parade, and would like to help to continue the tradition in 2014 and beyond, please send your contributions to: Berlin July 4 Parade Committee, P.O. Box 66, Berlin, NY, 12022. For more information, please call, Jean Barber at 658-3010 or Carol Alderman at 658-3936; or contact any other Committee member – Pat Andrews, Stoney Bierwirth, Bruce Hewitt, Anne Maxon, Al Maus, Luella Osterhout, Joe Shupe or Dave Theriault.
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