By Doug La Rocque
There may be larger 4th of July Parades, replete with gallant pageantry, but nowhere does the American heart beat any stronger on Independence Day than in Berlin and the Taconic Valley. The streets along the parade route were crowded with supporters who continually voiced the approval of all the floats and marchers, and unlike last year, Mother Nature was also in a good mood. [private]The parade stepped off on time from the Berlin Elementary School, wound its way through the village back to the school. Led by the Taconic Valley American Legion Color Guard, the Red Caps Marching Band announced to all “the parade’s coming.”
The theme of this year’s event was “Americana,” described by parade organizers as referring to the history, geography, folklore and the cultural heritage of the United States. It was a definition taken to heart by all the participants from the youngest to the old. The honor of Grand Marshal this year was bestowed upon Pam Gerstel, a long time educator in the Berlin Central School District, a founder of the Taconic Valley Soccer Club and the Chairwoman of the Town of Berlin’s Planning Board.
Petersburgh Given Special Honors
2016 is the Town of Petersburgh 225th anniversary, and the parade committee felt it should honor the town with a special plaque and Rosette Ribbon, especially in light of all it has been through of late. The town was represented by a depiction of an early American cabin, with the date 1791 prominently displayed above the door. The Theme Prize was submitted by the Berlin Elementary School, entitled “Education Through the Ages. Second Place in the category went to the Betsy Ross float, entered by the Taconic Valley Historical Society. The Grand Prize was awarded to the Oswald Family float simply labeled “Mr. Presidents.” Other floats awarded prizes were “The Beverly Hillbillies” submitted by Mr. Ed Rogers, and Rodeo Round-Up by the Cantering Cowpokes 4-H Club. They placed first and second respectively in the Funniest Float category. The prize for the Prettiest Float went to Girl Scout Troop #1317 for their entry, “Red, White and Blue.” Second prize went to the Sanderson Family for their float, “Going West.” First Prize in the Best Business category was given to the AIROC Court #42 Clowns.
Other Award Winners
The Berlin Elementary School was awarded First Prize for Marching Groups. Boy Scout Troop #222 and Girl Scouts Troop #1317 placed second and third respectively. The Cantering Cowpokes Riders took home First Prize in the Horseback Riders category. Second Prize went to Jessica Olson. Farm Equipment is also a big part of any rural parade, and Berlin’s is no exception. First Prize went to Derek Burhans with his 1954 Case Tractor. Rob Jaeger’s 1956 Case VA1, Orange placed second. Third place was awarded to Derek Burhans as well, with his 1952 John Deere tractor. Tim Tobin took home first place for his 1993 Dodge Ram Truck. Second place in the category went to Don Paulson with his 1960 Mack. Antique Autos were also represented. Walt Walter’s 1939 Chevrolet Coupe took top honors here. Second Place went to Don Paulson’s 1930 Ford, while a 1970 Cadillac Ambulance owned by Dan Herrick finished third. In the Classic/Modified division, first place went to Charlie Davis and his 2010 Dodge Saleen. Slim Wheatley placed second with his 1986 Zimmer.
Also participating were Rensselaer County Executive Kathy Jiminao, Sheriff Pat Russo, County Clerk Frank Merola and Legislative Chairman Stan Brownell. They were joined by NYS Assemblyman Steve McLaughlin and NYS Senate candidate Shaun Francis. Rensselaer County Dairy Princess Natalie Shudt was escorted by Tim Whitman in his 1974 Eldorado. Veterans groups, besides the Taconic Valley American Legion, included the Veterans of Stephentown and Grafton VFW Post # 6340. Music for the parade was provided by the Red Caps, the Berlin School Band, the Hill Hollow Band and the Squeeze Play Accordion Band. Eleven fire companies also took part in the parade. Besides Berlin, firefighters and equipment were present from Brunswick No 1, Center Brunswick, Hoosick Falls, Petersburgh, Raymertown, Speigletown, Stephentown, Taborton and West Sand Lake. EMS was represented by Ambulance Corps from Berlin, Petersburgh and Mohawk. Stephentown was presented with the award for the best appearing fire company, while the prize for most in line went to Petersburgh.
In Appreciation
The Parade Committee extends its thanks and appreciation to all those whose hard work and dedication helped make the 2016 version of the parade such a success. Listed in no particular order are Bill Osterhout Jr., Dean Maxon, Kent Goodermote, Charlie Osterhout, Tim Whitman, Don Paulson, Sally Smith, Cathy Russell, Elizabeth Michaels, Anna Rizzo as well as Doug, Paige and Grace Palmer. A special thanks goes out to the Berlin School Buildings and Grounds, headed by Cyril Grant, the Rensselaer County Sheriff’s Department, the Berlin Free Town Library, the Hill Hollow Band and all the Parade Judges, as well to all those whose contributions to the parade committee helped make all this possible.[/private]