Patriot Parade & Flag Dedication at Bruce Museum

WAITSBURG - On July 4th, the Waitsburg Historical Society will dedicate a new flag at the Bruce Museum and invites the public to join the celebration. The free event will follow Waitsburg's Patriots Parade starting in front of Banner Bank and ending at the museum's lawn.

The Patriots Parade started in 2011, when Laurette McCaw challenged her husband Jack McCaw and the late Tom Baker to carry a United States flag down Main Street on the 4th of July, wearing shorts. John and Marilyn Stellwagen sweetened the deal by providing free hotdogs for a potluck after the parade. The original "parade committee" was surprised by how many locals turned out to see Tom and Jack in their shorts. People came out on scooters, carts and bikes to join the "parade," while bystanders lined the sidewalks. It was, after all, a proper parade.

This year, the Historical Society and the American Legion Auxillary encourage residents to decorate their bikes, carts, wear red, white, and blue, shorts, or their uniforms and join the Patriots Parade. No registration is required, just line up in the Banner Bank parking lot at 11:45 am on Friday, the 4th.

The parade will travel down Main Street to the front lawn at the Bruce Museum. The American Legion Auxiliary will present and dedicate a new American flag, flagpole, and plaque to the Waitsburg Historical Society at the corner of Main and 4th Street. This will be followed by a free community lunch of hot dogs, salads, watermelon, with iced tea and water, sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary. Tables and chairs will be provided.

For dessert, the historical society will offer novelty ice creams for $2, with proceeds supporting the museum. Bring a patriotic spirit and enjoy this fun event with your family and friends in downtown Waitsburg on Friday, July 4th, starting at noon.