Fourth of July parade draws onlookers in Brookings

BROOKINGS Brooking-area residents lined the route, braving the heat and sunshine to view the July 4 parade on Friday.

It’s an event that over the years has taken on a mix of urban and rural: The colors, carried by local military veterans, led the parade. Following that came a drive-by, one right after the other, of the Brookings Volunteer Fire Department fleet of fire trucks of varying sizes and capabilities. Later would be a one-at-a-time roll-by of several decades-old Brookings-area fire engines.

For the rural communities came a lot of tractors of all sizes interestingly, one smaller John Deere was a bright yellow. Cars with members of the Daughters of the American Revolution waving small American flags made their appearance early in the parade. An old truck a veteran of annual cars shows, with an assortment of various handyman tools for repairs and the BumMobile, making a pre-Hobo Day appearance, gave a hint of the antique auto world.

Back again and an always appreciated source of music, which at one time was lacking, was the Brookings Community Band on a flat-bed trailer.

All in all, the annual parade lets area folks know that Independence Day is here.