Date: 7/14/2021
The largest Western Massachusetts Parade returned in 2021 to commemorate the adoption of the Declaration of Independence and return from restrictions endured by the nation and world since 2020. It was great to see so many spectators line the streets of East Longmeadow once again to cheer on the organizations, business, local elected officials, youth groups and musical groups. Mr. Brad Shepard was front and center announcing this year’s line up from the East Longmeadow Rotary Club Bandshell with East Longmeadow Cable Access Television, capturing the parade on video.
The parade was once again orchestrated by the East Longmeadow Parade Committee. The committee would like to thank all of the volunteers who served as parade marshalls, float judges and banner carriers. East Longmeadow High School student volunteers were on hand to support the parade and attained community service hours toward their graduation requirements.
Fire Department Awards included: Best Appearing Overall Fire Apparatus – Longmeadow Fire Department, 2017 E-One; Best Appearing Pumper 2018 or newer – Shaker Pine Fire Department, 2019 Sutphen; and, Best Appearing Antique – Hampden Fire Department, 1937 Ford Buffalo. Thanks to Ray Pond (retired Agawam firefighter) and Jim Leclerc (retired call lieutenant) for judging this year’s entries.
Music Awards: Best Marching Band – The Yankee Doodle Band; Best Color Guard and Best Fire and Drum Corps – The Marquis of Granby; Best General Overall Effect – The Great American Band; Best Drum Major and Most Entertaining Musical Unit – Polish String Band; Best Cadence – Hartford Steel Band. Thanks to Larry Humason and Roger Farnsworth for judging this year’s entries.
Float Top Three Awards: First Place – Lenox Stanley Black & Decker; Second Place – Chicopee St. Patricks’ Parade Committee; Third Place – East Longmeadow Marlins. Float Community Service Awards presented to the following: Maybury Material and Handling, South Hadley Veterans Parade Committee “Flags for Heroes,” Miss America Organization, Cub Scout Pack 272, Pet Partners and Academy of Dance.
The Parade was preceded by the Freedom Four Miler sponsored by 4RUN3 and the top five runners were: Leakey Kipkosgei, Anna Steinman, Kat Morrisey, Yvonne Bungei and Brandon Carpe. Proceeds from the run are being donated to charitable organizations in East Longmeadow. Additional runner times are listed on 4RUN3’s website.
Special thanks to our community partners and sponsors: Custom Auto Body-Norris Truck & Trailer; GoGraphics; Donut Dip; Lenox Stanley Black & Decker; St Michael's Church; First Congregational Church; Center Grille; Pizza Shop; Stop & Shop; Hampden Engineering; Lions Club; Joe Perriera; The East Longmeadow Cultural Council; East Longmeadow Police Department; East Longmeadow Fire Department; East Longmeadow D.P.W. and all town offices; and the Rotary Club of East Longmeadow.
See you in 2022! Be well and stay safe. Your East Longmeadow Parade Committee
Adele Hill
East Longmeadow July 4th
Parade Committee
