People from near and far gathered in Maine’s Prettiest Village Tuesday morning, July 4 to celebrate America’s 247th birthday with a colorful parade under a sunny sky. The predicted rain showers held off  just long enough for members of the American Legion to raise Old Glory at the waterfront and for the judges to award the blue ribbons for the best parade floats. Then the clouds rolled in and raindrops began falling and continued on an off for the rest of the day.

Among this year’s parade participants were Wiscasset’s Wally Roby, 96, a World War II U.S. Army veteran. Roby was in high spirits for the parade greeting everyone with a warm smile and friendly wave. Riding with him was Tim Flanagan, a fellow Army veteran who served during the Vietnam War era. A math teacher at Wiscasset High School for many years before retiring, Flanagan was recognized by many of his former students who returned home to watch the parade.

Wiscasset Selectboard Chairman Sarah Whitfield served as a parade judge. She was joined on the lawn in front of the landmark Octagon House on Federal Street by Wiscasset’s new School Superintendent and past selectman Kim Andersson. The third judge was Desiree Bailey, a member of the School Committee and the owner of Possibilities Salon & Spa on Gardiner Road.

Parade participants began gathering at 9:30 on Churchill Street for their march to the waterfront. Larry Hesseltine, Wiscasset police chief, blew his cruiser siren signaling the parade’s start  at 10 a.m. sharp. The parade was led by the color guard from Bradford-Sortwell-Wright Post 54 of the American Legion. After crossing Gardiner Road, the procession proceeded down Hooper to Federal Street past the judges’ table then turned left onto Main Street passing hundreds of people who gathered along the sidewalks to watch.

As in years past a good crowd was on hand at the waterfront for the traditional flag raising ceremony and the firing of a salute by Legion and the playing of “Taps.” Across the parking lot business was brisk at Wiscasset Yacht Club where members were selling strawberry shortcake.

Judging of the parade entries was based on creativity, originality and patriotic spirit. Among the blue ribbon winners were Linda Verney of Alna. She was driving the Woodfield Farm wagon pulled by her handsome horses, “Mike” and “Ace.” Other blue ribbon winners were Bob and Linda Marcus for best auto; The Barnhouse Grill & Pub, Route 1, Wiscasset for best business float; The Freedom Fellowship Church, Route 1, Wiscasset for best of the nonprofit floats. Kenzie MacLaren, clad in red, white and blue and driving an ATV, won the blue ribbon for best youth entry. Honorable mentions went to Frank Jr. & Sons Trucking, Wiscasset; St. Philip’s Episcopal Church Kazoo Band; and to the Wiscasset Recreation kids’ float.