SPRINGFIELD CENTER – Flood waters had started to recede by Saturday, July 1, but the Springfield Fourth of July Parade seemed to flow endlessly, with more than 70 units participating in the record length 1 1/2 hour long procession. “It’s never before been that long,” said Deb Miller, Springfield Fourth of July committee chairperson. “There were 70 entries. It was wonderful, just awesome.” Even the crowd was estimated at record proportions with the enthusiasm cresting as participants marched through the streets of Springfield. “I’m not very good at guessing (crowd numbers) but this was the most supportive crowd I’ve ever seen in a long time,” Miller said. The crowd’s enthusiasm was so strong, Miller added, that “a lot of groups reported how wonderful and interactive the crowd was. It was just great.” In retrospect, Miller considered the recent flood disaster as reason why the community was so tight. After all of the loss and tragedy experienced in the week prior, Miller said “the crowd was so supportive, and I think it had something to do with the flooding.” The group Miller was most impressed with was the Canajoharie Volunteer Fire Department. “They showed up with one truck and two men. Their fire house burned down during the flood,” she explained. “I couldn’t believe they came.” In addition to the parade, which included approximately 16 fire departments, six school bands and a Pipe and Drum outfit from the Hobart Fire Department, there was also musical entertainment afterwards, concession stands, an information area on local organizations and raffles sponsored by the fire department and St. Mary’s Church. Miller thought the crowd was very supportive of the fire departments as well, with much cheering aimed at the dedicated volunteers who worked so hard during the prior week’s disaster. Fire departments that marched in addition to Springfield and Canajoharie included Richfield Springs, Ames, Schenevus, South Minden, Cherry Valley, Westford, West Winfield, Hobert, Cooperstown, Schuyler Lake, Van Hornesville, Middlefield, Milford and Mount Vision. Antique cars and trucks, horse and wagon teams also participated in the event. One float designer, Linda Cunningham, a Richfield Springs Lioness member working to promote the January 2007 winter masquerade, said the parade was a lot of fun and kept her laughing the whole time. She praised the creativity of many of the floats, and the enthusiasm of the crowd. “It was great to be a part of it,” Cunningham said. “Growing up, we would always go to the parade and then have a picnic afterwards.”
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