Wilmore Celebrates its 35th Fourth of July Parade and Festival

Published: July 4, 2024

Wilmore City Ablaze with Excitement

On a bright and clear Independence Day morning, the city of Wilmore was a spectacle of festive colors, sounds, and energy as it kicked off its 35th Fourth of July Parade and Festival. This annual event, a beloved tradition in the city, managed to bring together both local residents and visitors for a memorable celebration of America’s birthday. Despite the potential threat of rain, it held off to allow the city to enjoy the parade and subsequent festival.

A Unifying Day of Celebration

Highlighting the importance of such events, Mayor Harold Rainwater noted, “We have a lot of division in our world, but one day of the year, we sort of all come together.” This sentiment was echoed by Adam Moore, an attendee of the parade who shared, “Patriotism is not lost in this country, that’s for sure.”

The Parade Begins

The parade began with a burst of cheers and excitement as community members gathered to commemorate the day. Reflecting on the evolution of the event, Mayor Rainwater shared, “35 years ago, we had to entice people to come out and watch the parade. We handed out free hotdogs to get people to come, and they came!”

The Unique Lawnmower Brigade

An eccentric feature that has increasingly drawn people to the event is the Lawnmower Brigade. Kimberly Davidson, a long-time attendee of the parade, described the unique spectacle, “It’s a group of men dressed in white shirts and ties and John Deere caps. They push lawnmowers down the road, and they have these little dances. It’s just a lot of fun.”

Festivities for All

The parade also boasted an array of participants, including veterans, tractors, floats, and firetrucks, offering entertainment for all age groups. As the parade concluded, the festivities continued with a festival featuring food trucks, arts and crafts, and more. The highlight of the night was the spectacular fireworks show by R. J. Corman.

Anticipation for Future Celebrations

Looking ahead, Mayor Rainwater expressed excitement for the upcoming double jubilee. “Two years from now, we’ll have our 250th birthday party, and Wilmore will have its 150th birthday party. This is sort of a celebration of a birthday of a country and of a town,” he said.

With its 35th Fourth of July Parade and Festival, the city of Wilmore not only celebrated America’s Day of Independence but also the strong bond and community spirit within its residents. This day served as a vivid reminder that, despite the divisions in our world, there are special occasions that allow us to come together and celebrate our shared values and heritage.