4th of July, Parade Float Project

01/31/2023

Council: 114 - BANGOR

Project Description:

Preparation for this event starts three months earlier with the planning committee, and reserving a tractor-step-bed trailer from Hartt Transportation. The 4th of July Parade is organized by the Greater Bangor Area Kiwanis Clubs. We have participated in this event for several years, interrupted only by 2 covid years. We see this as our opportunity to demonstrate our Christian faith and patriotic respect for our country.
Preassembly for our float starts on July 3rd, where Hartt Transportation “drops” the step-bed trailer at St Matthews Catholic Church, in Hampden, and we Knights complete the pre-assembly of our float “pedestal”, which is a custom painted mural of the Nina, Pinta, and Santa Maria. This mural is 8 feet high, 16 feet long, and 8 feet wide! We also set up the perimeter poles and the rope railings.
On July 4th, Hartt Transportation picks up the trailer and brings it to the parade start location, on Acme Rd, in Brewer… where Knights completed final assembly, of chairs, sound system, mixing board, podium, song booklets, beverages/coolers, full perimeter patriotic bunting, 20 American flags, and electrical power from the tractor. Our group of 20 singers (including Knights, families, children, and choir members from St Mary’s and St Matthews Catholic Churches.) Our song leader and guitar playing musician is retired professional singer, Michael CoWallis! We sang multiple patriotic songs along the parade route, and REALLY pulled in some enthusiastic audience participation.
Once we arrive at the Judicial Center, in downtown Bangor, the singers come down off the float and are driven back to the Brewer starting point in a rented Cyr Bus. (Safety is a very high priority.)
Float disassembly occurs, back at St Matthew’s Church, in Hampden… and we all go home to celebrate the remainder of the 4th of July.
This particular project is one of our favorites, because we get to interact directly with the community. It is inspiring to see members of the audience singing the National Anthem, and other patriotic songs with us!
Masks were not required, and none of our group wore them. We were still very conscious of social distancing, and practiced this, as much as possible. Hygiene was also practiced.
Many thanks to our Knights and St Paul the Apostle Parish members! Many thanks to Hartt Transportation, and Cyr Bus!