The Catskill Chronicle

Story and photos by Leni Santoro

What it all boils down to on the Fourth of July is America’s liberty from English rule and the beginning of these here United States. What more appropriate place to spend time then, on the Fourth of July, than in Sullivan County’s own Town of Liberty? 

The day began with a Street Festival that lined both sides of North Main Street from La Polt Park to the traffic light at the Green Building. Many stores and restaurants in town also brought their wares to the street as well as several of the restaurants in town.

For the children there were balloons, puppets, toys and games of all kinds and best of all an amusement area set up behind Gary’s Great American on the grounds of the Liberty Elementary School. Here kids could slide and ride and bounce.

The parade itself got underway just after high noon, as announced by the siren of the Liberty Fire Department. The parade began near Lake Street, then headed up North Main. Marching in this year’s parade were Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther with her granddaughter in tow as well as Town of Liberty Council persons Maurice Gerry and Lynn Killian. 

A main attraction this year was the return of the Sullivan County Visitor Association’s “Big Chicken.” Following the parade the “Big Chicken” is to take up residence at the Visitor’s Association on Sullivan Avenue in Liberty.

 The Liberty Fourth of July Parade also included several antique cars, part of a classic car show located behind La Polt Park. And many unique and interesting tractors and their drivers also participated in the parade. Watching from in front of the Liberty Museum one felt transported in time by their appearance.

But what really makes a parade is the people, both those who march and participate in the parade and those on the sidelines who show by their laughter, smiles and applause that the parade is appreciated. It would seem, from the faces of all, that this year’s Liberty Fourth of July celebration was a big hit with everyone involved.

To view more photos from Liberty’s Fourth of July celebration visit the Catskill Chronicle on Zenfolio.