Fourth of July Parade in The Woodlands Texas 2008

Happy birthday America! This year's parade was an excellent event. Put a reminder for next year on your calendar now. Many people watch the parade under the shade trees of Market Street. Others utilize the shade on Lake Woodlands. Some people choose to arrive two hours early to get the prime locations, but many others arrive 20 minutes before the parade and stake out good viewing spots as well. The difference? The sun! Shady spots are occupied first. Some folks bring umbrellas and blankets. Some come by automobile, others come by Bicycle. One family made it a bicycle day - they were going to attend all events and toted their chairs and materials on their bicycles. The day had just started for them. The Market Street businesses which serve breakfast and especially coffee were open to feed the early arrivals. Speaking to one resident very early, I learned that the family has a certain traditional spot they relish and stake out their place a couple of hours early. Yes, tradition has taken hold on the community.

This event had all the traditional home town parade constituents and more - dignitaries, antique cars, motorcycles, horses, firetrucks and emergency vehicles, school bands, clowns, vendors, churches, schools, scouts, radio stations, and parade floats. There were three high school bands and at least three fire fighting organizations represented.

Frank Robinson, outgoing business manager for the Township, was honored this year as the Grand Marshall.

Included was a flyover of an EC145 Life Flight helicopter, supporting the float entry by Hermann Memorial. Their website is Hermann Memorial LifeFlight.

Candy, beads, leaflets and trinkets including yo-yos and Frisbees were passed out by the parade constituents.

Sgt Brice Herring was in charge of safety. He led the parade on his motorcycle to set the tone. The crowd was generally orderly and safety conscious. The parade had the flavor of a small town.

Residents are appreciative of the organization and participation efforts by this year's committee and volunteers headed up by Karen Booren. The committee consisted of Joe Giovanello, Darla Bell, Kim Lewis, Anna Ankalan, Kelly Dietrich, Bill Polk and Karen. "We had 85 volunteers from the National Charity league and another 40 from the community" this year, said Karen. The committee meets all year long planning the event and the result of their labor is certainly worth attending.

Soon, this year's results of the float competition and photographs will be added to the event's website. Click here to view.