Parents of members of the Wyandotte Academy Youth Choir carry a large American flag aloft during the Wyandotte Fourth of July Parade down Biddle Avenue.
By SUE SUCHYTA
Sunday Times Newspapers
WYANDOTTE – Police and fire sirens roared, politicians waved, bands played, non-profit groups showed their support and veterans proudly marched along Biddle Avenue July 4 during the city’s annual Independence Day Parade.
Nicole Baker, Member Center manager at Community Choice Credit Union and founder of “Shop the Dotte” served as the parade grand marshal.
Veterans of Foreign Wars from the 4th District provided a color guard, and were followed by a float sponsored by the Military Order of the Purple Heart Downriver Chapter 127.
The Rogalin Dance Troupe, sponsored by the Polish Roman Catholic Union of America, danced along Biddle Avenue, but disappointingly the group did not wear any of their colorful Polish costumes.
However, they were followed by twirlers from Janet’s School of Dance from Taylor, who were resplendent in their red, white and blue sequined costumes.
The Vietnam Veterans of America Downriver Chapter 259 participated with a colorful, patriotic float, and were followed by the American Legion Riders on their impressive motorcycles.
The Wyandotte Roosevelt High School Marching Chiefs perform during the Fourth of July Parade down Biddle Avenue.
American Legion Post 217 also provided a float in the parade, followed by color guards from James Europe Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2233 and Polish Army Veterans Association of America Post 95.
The Blue Star Mothers of America Lake Erie Chapter 184 had a patriotic float, followed by a Little Mermaid float decorated by the Downriver Actors Guild.
The Wyandotte Stars vintage Base Ball team showed off their skills, while members of Cub Scout Pack 846 from Taylor literally surrounded themselves in red, white and blue balloon as they strode along the parade route.
A whimsical Zap Zone robot was followed by the more formal Knights of Columbus, resplendent in full regalia.
The Great Lakes Drum Corps alumni provided musical entertainment from their float, followed by the Wyandotte Academy Youth Choir, which featured parents carrying a large banner American flag.
The U.S. Submarine Veterans Wolverine Base entered a float, and were followed by a patriotically festooned float by the Wyandotte Boat Club, which was likely the longest entry.
The Wyandotte Roosevelt High School Marching Chiefs ended the parade with their toe tapping music and welcome melodies.
The Vietnam Veterans of America Downriver Chapter 259 participates in the Wyandotte Fourth of July Parade down Biddle Avenue.
Members of American Legion Post 217 participate in the Wyandotte Fourth of July Parade down Biddle Avenue.
A Veterans of Foreign Wars color guard participates in the Wyandotte Fourth of July Parade down Biddle Avenue.
Members of the Knights of Columbus participate in the Wyandotte Fourth of July Parade down Biddle Avenue.