GETTING READY TO GO … The Vacation Bible School float smiles in anticipation before the parade begins.
START OF PARADE … A traditional Veterans march started off the parade in style.
SCHOOL PRIDE .. The North Central Band performs their school song as they march down the street.
POSSE … The William County Special Sheriffs ride their signature horses during the parade.
FIRST RESPONDERS … The Pioneer Fire Department brought an array of firetrucks to the parade.
(PHOTOS BY BRENNA WHITE / THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
FAIR ROYALTY … The Williams County Fair Royalty waves to onlookers, tossing candy.
By: Brenna White
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
Kunkle welcomed well over a hundred spectators on Thursday morning for its 63rd Annual Fourth of July Parade, drawing fire departments, community organizations, and families from across Williams County.
Noted as the largest parade in the area, the event lasted for about 45 minutes and featured an impressive line-up of participants.
Fire Departments from across the county were well represented, including Bryan, Edgerton, Montpelier, Pioneer, Madison Township, Florence Township, Brady Township, and more. Many of which brought their own engines, sirens, and waving crews to the streets of Kunkle.
Local businesses also took part in the celebration, entering a variety of floats decorated with patriotic flair. Community spirit was further highlighted by the presence of several pageant queens, including representatives from Montpelier, Edgerton, and the Fountain City Queens.
The North Central band marched through the town, providing live music to accompany the parade and energize the crowd.
Meanwhile, representatives from the Williams County Public Library handed out popsicles to attendees, keeping the kids cool!
Parade lineup began behind the old school off Elm Street, and despite limited parking in town, families arrived early to secure a good viewing spot.
Following the parade, guests gathered at the fire station for a BBQ chicken dinner hosted by the Madison-Kunkle Department.
With strong community involvement and participation from nearly every corner of the county, this year’s Kunkle parade proved once again to be a cornerstone celebration of local pride and Independence Day tradition.