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Middletown’s Independence Day parade marches July 3

Photos: Middletown Fourth of July parade

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By Eric Robinette, Staff Writer Updated 8:37 PM Monday, June 28, 2010

MIDDLETOWN — Middletown will celebrate the Fourth of July one day early this year.

Because the 4th falls on a Sunday, the city’s Independence Day parade will be at 10 a.m. Saturday. The parade will begin at the corner of Verity Parkway and 14th Avenue, moving down Verity to Smith Park, said Ken Wills, the chairman of Middletown’s parade association.

Participants are asked to enter the parade lineup from Lafayette Avenue and South Verity Parkway. Lineup will begin at 9 a.m.

Participants are being asked to attend a meeting if they plan to have a float in the parade. The next meeting will be 7 p.m. Thursday, July 1 the VFW post on 6962 Coles Road.

Floats will be judged at Smith Park as soon as the parade has ended. Those who intend to have a float or group judged are asked to follow parade committee rules, and have someone present at Smith Park.

The theme for this year’s parade is “America’s Historic Moments,” and each float or vehicle must state the theme.

Awards will be handed out for the best float in four categorie — fraternal, church, youth and civic, Wills said.

The grand marshal of the parade will be Rodney McGuire of Monroe, an Army veteran who served in the Korean War, which began 60 years ago. He was the past first vice commander of the VFW post in Middletown, said Wills.

McGuire, who said he was “very honored to represent the veterans of the Korean War,” has had several brothers in the service. His brother Wayne also served in the Army, during World War II and the Korean War. His brother Harlan served with the Navy in World War II, and brother Jack was a marine in Vietnam.

For more information about the parade, call (513) 423-6017 or 424-8119.

Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2836 or erobinette@coxohio.com.

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