Public Project
Going to a Fourth of July Parade
Summary
Write-up and photos from a Fourth of July parade in a rural midwest town.
July 4, 2024
Words: Olivia Sullivan
Photos: Michael Sullivan
Going to the 4th of July parade in Adams and Friendship, WI, was a new experience. It was a different setting from my everyday life in Madison, WI. I didn't necessarily want to go, but it was an opportunity to spend time with my dad, whose photos are presented here. He asked me to write about the experience.
Everybody wore patriotic clothing in patriotic colors (red, white, and blue) or patriotic designs (stars, stripes, and flags). I was not dressed as such, nor was my dad. At one point, I told him, "I think we look like we don't belong here." Very few wore shirts or hats that explicitly said their actual political parties; the ones that did made it known they were supporting Trump.
There were people of all ages. There were kids, of course, but not many seemed around my age—I'll be 13 in August—and I was a little surprised by that, expecting more kids because it was a parade. Most adults were older, in their late 50s to early 70s. Almost everybody seemed overweight. My dad said that what I observed was exaggerated because it was a concentrated group from a relatively small area. And nearly everyone was white, which was expected in rural Wisconsin.
There were lots of people smoking, and many were drinking beer already at ten o'clock in the morning. Then the floats came, with many ads for political candidates, businesses, and organizations, and less candy than other parades I've been to. I watched the marching band and dancers go by. Then I saw a giant Trump float. It said things like, "Make America Great Again," "Don't blame me | I voted for Trump," and "God Bless America." As it passed, I heard claps from most people around us, along with loud cheers.
After that, more floats, another marching band, then came a democratic party float: Biden-Harris signs and a woman dressed as Lady Liberty standing in a trailer, representing the democratic party. I was shocked that there even was one, given the strong representation by Republicans up and down the street. As the float passed, I heard lots of boos and jeers. But they quickly died out. Since the parade started, one woman stood, moved to the curb, and clapped as Lady Liberty passed. I couldn't tell in this crowd if it was a mocking clap or a show of genuine support; my dad later explained it wasn't. The rest of the parade was a blur: another marching band, more floats, and more fire trucks.
I'm happy that I know what's going on in America. As my dad always tells me, it's essential to be aware. It was interesting to see different people at this event. But for now, it's something I don't need to visit again for a long while.
My dads write-up with more photos can be seen here.
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