No big hoopla, no fireworks to scare the horses and dogs, no band playing so loudly it jars the senses. Yet, the two streets in New Manchester are lined with children and adults who wait to see the 4th of July parade entitled “Wild & Wonderful” in honor of the residents’ home state of West Virginia.
The “children’s parade” as it was tabbed back in the mid-sixties had its origins when neighborhood women and Attorney, the late Edwin Flowers felt the small community should have a parade to allow children and townspeople to celebrate without the artifice of the big glitzy parades of larger community. And, of course since the parade route was short, it would go down High Street and up Main Street and meet itself and then go round for the second time.
The parade survived despite few years of being unable to get either participants or volunteers.
Line-up for the parade is at 6:00 p,m. and is held at New Manchester Elementary parking lot. The parade gets underway at 6:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome according to the poster whether you ride a bike, tri-cycle or walk.
