Local

Marietta celebrates Fourth of July holiday

July 4th, 2012

It was a bright sunny morning, but not too hot, and Just about every person along the side of the road had an American flag in their hand. They were there to honor groups like the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign wars. 66 year old Sally Roden was at the parade with her children and grandchildren. Roden says that she’s been coming for around 40 years.

“Well, I’ve lived in Marietta a long long time and I know folks that are here. It’s just everything going on: the politicians are here, and the bands. It’s a la Americana.”

But with well over 2 dozen politicians and only 1 marching band, people like 60 year old Diane Steelebeck felt the spirit of the parade was headed in the wrong direction.

“When they get out here and try to take over this parade, I just have to roll my eyes. This is not the place for it. This is something else. That’s not what we’re supposed to be celebrating”

Both Senator Johnny Isakson and Congressman Phil Gingrey were in the parade. Not to mention a whole host of people running for judgeships, county clerks, and the like. Politicians aside, there were some crowd favorites making a return appearance like the men in tacky Hawaiian shirts known as the backyard brigade. They wander down the street doing synchronized routines and dance numbers with their folding lawn chairs.

Marietta is now gearing up for their fireworks display which takes place at sundown.

For WABE News, I’m Aleck Ragsdale