SHELBURNE FALLS — After a hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic, the village’s Independence Day parade is returning on Sunday, complete with a to-go style barbecue chicken meal.
Residents can expect a military band, veterans, horses and bagpipes to be part of the celebration on Sunday, along with several varieties of automobiles. Steve Finck, who has been organizing the parade for over 20 years, said not only will the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department have a vehicle in the parade, but that numerous towns from Rowe to Leyden are sending fire trucks, too.
“It’s a small parade, but it brings people together,” he said.
Parade-goers can also expect other appearances, including Smokey Bear and potentially the Northfield Dive/Rescue Team.
The parade will line up by 11 a.m. and start at noon near the old Buckland Maintenance Department on Conway Street. It will travel through the main portion of Buckland and Shelburne, concluding at the Buckland-Shelburne Elementary School.
The parade’s traditional inclusion of classic cars can’t be forgotten — Finck is working to display them near the bandshell by the Buckland-Shelburne Elementary School.
The chicken barbecue will start at the school once the parade has ended. This year, the barbecue chicken will be grilled off-site by the Shelburne Grange, Finck said. The chicken will be brought, with the accompanying potatoes, for parade-goers to take away on to-go plates.
In past years, the Shelburne Falls Cub Scouts, Pack 85, have worked with the Grange to put together the barbecue, though low interest in the Scouts due to the pandemic ended their involvement this year, Finck said.
In an effort to keep the meals affordable for residents and larger families, dinners will be $12 each. Two hundred meals will be available and proceeds will support the Shelburne Grange.
“Come and enjoy,” Finck said. “We’re celebrating the country. July Fourth is one of the most important holidays that brings people together.”