Just after what may have been the village’s largest Independence Day parade, a light rain began to fall—sending onlookers to their cars.
Some 58 entries were in the parade, compared to last year’s 24, said Sean Sullivan, the master of ceremonies.
The volunteer Doins committee “made an effort to go out and recruit,” he said. The Perth fire company was an unexpected new entry, he added.
Leading the parade was Grand Marshall Larry Serfis, who is a former Northville mayor, current volunteer firefighter, and a 1950s basketball standout.
Miss Fulton County Isabelle Henderson followed in the next car.
Candy was thrown out by the red, white and blue stilted man, and almost every group in the parade threw more candy to eager children than the Good Ship Lollipop could hold.
The Shriner drove the minicars they’re famous for.
The judges—Kim and Phil Schuyler and Sue Sedon—gave the Shriners an overall award. The Klippel’s Kozy Korner float came in first, and the Sacandaga Valley Arts Network float, second.
The kilted Capital District Youth Pipe Band of Albany provided the first music.
Antique cars were dispersed in the three divisions. One little boy, John Suedas of Canada, waved to the crowd from a Model A.
Mickey and Minnie Mouse got a lot of hugs.
“It’s a wonderful parade,” said Lauren Schenel of Voorheesville. “We come every year. The kids love it.”
Julie Dowd of Glens Falls agreed, “It’s one of the best small-town parades in the area.”
“It’s the homiest thing,” said Dianne Arata of Edinburg.
The blue-and-black-uniformed Northville Central School band played “It’s a Grand Old Flag” as it neared the reviewing stand.
Youths of the Northville-Edinburg Little League team and the Northville Girl Scouts threw out candy to children spectators.
Later, Boy Scout troops 53 and 55 from Mayfield and Northville got cheers as they marched with the American flag.
The Twin City Twisters and TDC Dance Company marched with moves.
The parade brought back memories for Lynn Casey of Northville. “I’ve been coming here for over 50 years,” she said recalling that “I was a little girl. I helped with the floats.”
The parade is “great old-time Americana,” said Paul Kaiser of North Creek.
