Small town parade

It was a great day to be a parade viewer. One of the best parade lineups I recall in town moved from the north end of Commercial through the new Historic Downtown Arch Monday as Anacortes celebrated Independence Day in grand fashion. Sponsors of the event (once again) were the Anacortes Women of Today, whose parade entry marched behind the unicycling clown. Another key participant was the Skagit Community Band. These gracious volunteers appeared at the Arch dedication also, adding that important element of traditional American music to the mix. Other entries in the parade included a group of Town Criers (who participated in a post-parade competition at Causland Memorial Park) and the Noon Kiwanis Club. Popular again this year were the “customs” of tossing candy and bead necklaces to the crowd.