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Dundalk parade stays dry; thousands line route in Towson
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Retired Dundalk firefighter Bernie Klem rides a truck that was part of the '55 dept. in the Dundalk Heritage 4th of July parade. Klem joined the Dundalk Fire Deptartment in 1949.
Patriotism wasn’t going to be washed away this Independence Day, as The Heritage Association of Dundalk held its annual Fourth of July parade despite early-morning showers.
“I was a little worried,” said Army veteran Jim Loftus. “We weren’t sure if the rain was going to let the parade happen.”
When the skies cleared, Parkfield Street was filled with proud locals donning their red, white and blue clothing.
“I’ve been coming to this ever since I was a little kid. I bring my family to this every year. My wife and my daughter love coming,” said Loftus, who served in Vietnam in 1970. His favorite part? “The marching bands.”
Although the Dundalk parade was just one of many held throughout the Baltimore area Friday, residents insisted this was the one to attend.
“[Dundalk has] been here for 74 years,” said parade announcer Jacki Crandell. “Our parade is Number One.”
The parade also featured dance routines from local high school students and original floats, including one from local restaurant Donna’s Tavern that pitted two singers against each other in an “American Idol”-style contest.
ELECTION YEAR BOOSTS PATRIOTISM
Many in attendance showed great pride in their country, especially with a presidential election looming.
“Whatever flaws that this country may have,” said Bud Lescaleet of Middle River, “we are still the best country in the world. We’re a young society, and we have a long way to go. But we’re still the best country, and I’m very proud of it.”
As the parade drew to a close, Crandell acknowledged a man in the audience.
“This man stood up every single time an American flag passed by,” Crandell said over the speakerphone. Bob Polanowsky smiled as the crowd recognized him for his patriotic efforts.
“I love my country,” Polanowsky said. “I love my flag and I stand up for all those who serve it.”
When the parade ended, A-17 jets performed a synchronized fly-over coordinated by Martin State Airport. The air display pleasantly surprised parade officials.
“We didn’t know if they were going to do that because of the bad weather we were having,” Crandell said. “I’m glad they were able to do it.”
TRADITION DRAWS TOWSON FAMILIES
The skies had cleared as thousands of people lined Bosley Avenue in downtown Towson in the late morning for the 74th Independence Day celebration.
James Fick, 34, of Towson, and his wife, Laurie Fick 35, enjoyed the parade with their two daughters, 5, and 8 months, and 2-year-old son. The couple said they try to make the parade every year if they’re in town.
“We love celebrating Independence Day. It’s a fun family event. The parade certainly makes it enjoyable,” James Fick said. “This day needs to be honored, and the situations we are in abroad certainly bring additional meaning.”
Pat Mattheiss, 49, of Towson, enjoyed the parade with her two boys Dan, 12, and Jeffrey 14. She couldn’t persuade her 16 year-old son to come out. “It’s a tradition, something I’ve done with them ever since they were babies,” Mattheiss said. “It’s fun and we missed the rain. We always come out to the Towson parade. It’s a good start to the morning.”
For two young bass drummers for the Ravens Marching Band, Jake Deiter, 15, and Ralph McNeill, the parade is an adrenaline rush.
“It’s surreal that everyone is watching,” Deiter said before his third march in the parade. “It’s louder than M&T Stadium. At the stadium you’re further away from the crowd. Here they’re right next to you.”
Jack Anderson, 66, a Marine veteran of the Fourth Combat Engineers Battalion, rode his bike two and one-half miles from his home on Cedarcroft Road in Baltimore to watch his 40th Towson parade. If he can bike the route, maybe he can make it another year, he said, joking. To many, the parade has become a tradition.
“I used to come up with my five kids. They’re all grown up now.
“I think a lot of people are forgetting the meaning of all the holidays. People here in Towson, Dundalk and Catonsville still know what it’s all about. This is what America is all about. I hope everyone has fun, enjoys the holiday and remembers the meaning of it.”
alejandro.ortiz@baltimoreexaminer.com
anthony.fair@baltimoreexaminer.com
Comments from Examiner Readers
7:44 AM MST on Mon., Jul. 7, 2008 re: "Dundalk parade stays dry; thousands line route in Towson"
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6:14 PM MST on Sat., Jul. 5, 2008
re: "Rain holds off during Mall fireworks"
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5:10 PM MST on Sat., Jul. 5, 2008
re: "Rain holds off during Mall fireworks"
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11:24 PM MST on Fri., Jul. 4, 2008
re: "Rain holds off during Mall fireworks"
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5:58 PM MST on Fri., Jul. 4, 2008
re: "Rain threatens celebrations on Mall"
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5:32 PM MST on Fri., Jul. 4, 2008
re: "Rain threatens celebrations on Mall"
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1:23 PM MST on Fri., Jul. 4, 2008
re: "Vienna, Fairfax make changes for safer celebrations"
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11:43 AM MST on Thu., Jul. 3, 2008
re: "Don’t neglect safety around fireworks"
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12:54 PM MST on Sun., Jul. 1, 2007
re: "Don’t neglect safety around fireworks"
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Examiner Reader said:
Those were A10s
6 agree | 6 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Something dreadful was wrong with Taylor Hicks.
11 agree | 30 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
I thought Taylor Hicks was charming. I especially liked the first song he sang. I( had never heard it before. All performers were wonderful. The only one that came off as perfect to me was Ms. Blackwell. Beautiful.
16 agree | 10 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
That was a pretty dismal performance by Taylor Hicks. He must have a hard time memorizing lyrics.
23 agree | 49 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
The show goes on rain or shine.
7 agree | 8 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Does anyone know if the fireworks show is still going on due to the rain?
7 agree | 8 disagree
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UNAMERICAN said:
BLOWER nobody wants a laser light show thats so lame . I would rather watch the national mall on TV
7 agree | 7 disagree
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MrHyphy said:
MAAANN let us pop our Barrel Bombs!
7 agree | 7 disagree
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William Cooke said:
Safety tips are great. But I completely object to government bans on the sale or responsible use of fireworks. Each year around the 4th of July we are reminded that we are not free. We are slaves to the State.
60 agree | 62 disagree
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