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Middletown parade a first for some — a tradition for others

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By Lindsey Hilty, Staff Writer Updated 4:32 PM Saturday, July 3, 2010

MIDDLETOWN— It was the only parade he has ever seen, but Middletown resident Jason Hollon, 30, said it was one in which the community could take pride.

The Independence Day parade, which wound from Verity Parkway to Smith Park, included the Middletown High School Alumni Band, several church groups, veteran groups and politicians.

“I’m just as excited as the kids,” Hollon said from his spot at the end of the route, where his wife Candi Hollon and their twins Matthew and Emily, 6, waved at parade participants. “It was excellent. I still have a smile on my face. For our small town where there’s hardly much, that was excitement.”

It was also the first parade for Kayleigh Kenyon, 11 months, who sported a military-themed bib that read, “My Daddy is my hero,” and a patriotic romper. She participated in the festivities with her mother Beth Kenyon, who was a representative of the Rolling Thunder military support group participating in the parade.

“She’s showing independence for who we support and believe in,” Kenyon said of her daughter. “We need to bring all the soldiers home safely.”

Mary Ophoff said the Fourth of July parade is a highlight of the year for the American Legion. Her group created an award-winning float called America’s Historical Moments, with a rocket ship, the Liberty Bell and the Statue of Liberty.

Grace Baptist Church members also had a float that included themes from American History. It won numerous awards, including the Gordon Pence Most Patriotic Float Award.

Church member Roger Brandenburg said his children used to watch the parade, but were excited to participate.

“It might be a little bit of a long walk, but I think we’re up for it,” he said.

For Paul Prater, riding with the Disabled American Veterans 131 and the Disabled Veterans Auxiliary 131, parades like this one make him proud to represent his country.

Since the early 1950s, he said, he has been participating in parades, but “It was my greatest thrill the first time I got to carry an American flag through my own hometown.”

Contact this reporter at (513) 755-5067 or lhilty@coxohio.com.