Use this search box to find articles that have run in our newspapers over the last several years.
Date: 6/14/2022
CHESTERFIELD – Organizers of the town’s 75th Fourth of July parade will have their clipboards and coffees in hand as they gather on the corner of Bryant and South Streets waiting for floats and marching units to show up. No one is sure how big the parade will be, or who will march in it. The only thing they know is the parade starts at 10:30 a.m. sharp.
“We don’t require people to register ahead of time. They show up, we gather their information and get it to the viewing stand so they can be announced as they march through the center of town,” said Leslie Kellogg, parade co-chair.
This come-as-you-are formula works in Chesterfield, a relaxing town where people don’t worry about such things as whether anyone will show up for the biggest parade of the year.
“It always turns out to be a Norman Rockwell picture. It magically happens. It’s the old-fashioned way of doing things. Before we had the internet, word just got around,” said Kellogg.
While Independence Day parades in other parts of the nation have rain dates, no one here pays much attention to the weather. The parade has always been on Jul 4. It’s a tradition they simply won’t change.
If every person in the entire town came to the parade, there would be 1,222 spectators. Some come in their cars – most just walk to the center of town and drop their blanket or lawn chair in a favorite spot, perhaps the same spot they’ve claimed forever.
If you do bring your car, the parking is free. Attendants ask for a donation, but they’re not pushy about it.
“People who come to visit will see so many things are free. We hand out flags for free. There will be face painting for free,” said Kellogg.
Face painting and flags may be given out gratis, but parade day is a fundraiser for some. The firehouse is open, and firefighters are selling pancakes for breakfast. The Recreation Committee is charging for hot dogs in their shack while the church is raising money by offering a chicken barbecue in its parking lot.
The parade route is relatively small, just about a half mile. Everything about this annual event is cozy and comfortable. “We get all the patriotism and love of country without feeling cramped or claustrophobic. We’re relaxed and slower here, but we love our country just as much. Waving our flags is just as important here. It’s America in its idyllic state,” said Kellogg.
Parade day is a chance for the town to showcase its way of life for people who come from other hill towns, or those who travel here from across the region, Kellogg noted.
“We’re gorgeous up here. We’re usually seven degrees cooler than neighboring towns. Summer is very pleasant; the weather is beautiful. And our water tastes awesome. The beauty of town is showed off very nicely on the Fourth,” said Kellogg
Organizers are still looking for a few volunteers to help on parade day and to join the committee to organize next year’s big event. Kellogg has been on the committee for 25 years. She was co-chair this year. She plans to run it as chairman next year.
“I like being on the committee because it’s a way I can help my hometown and show it off to others. We’re at our shiny best on the fourth. We’re happy, it’s always a happy day in town,” she said.
For more information about helping on parade day or joining the parade committee, call 296-4373 or email chesterfield4th@yahoo.com. Information is also available on Facebook. Search for Chesterfield 4th of July parade.