Zelienople celebrates the Fourth
ZELIENOPLE — Flags lined Main Street Monday morning as people set up chairs in anticipation of the borough's annual Fourth of July parade.
The hot weather and blue skies resulted in a big turnout as thousands watched the event. The singing of the national anthem in the presence of more than 100 American Legion and JROTC members kicked off the parade.
One of the more inspiring floats depicted the U.S. Marine flag raisers on Iwo Jima during World War II.
The procession featured its 2010 Grand Marshal Neal Jackson, vice president of Fidelity Bank and an active member of a number of civic organizations, including the Zelienople Rotary Club, Zelienople-Harmony Chamber of Commerce and the Zelienople-Harmony Business Association.
The parade also honored the lives of youths Elijah Lunsford, Sam Bucci and Trevor Barkley, who were killed in January in a traffic accident. A restored Ford Mustang belonging to one of the boys was driven in the parade, leading the Zelienople Volunteer Fire Department trucks.
Other area fire departments taking part included Adams Area, Callery, Cranberry Township and Evans City in Butler County, Marshall Township in Allegheny County and Franklin Township, Big Knob and New Sewickley Township in Beaver County.
Some of the other groups that made an appearance included the Resurrection Band that has been playing for more than 30 years. It was led by 70-plus-year-old drum major Betty Lambert.
First organized in 1980 as a "spinoff" of the Zelienople-Harmony Firemen's Band, the band is intended to help build community spirit and serve as an outlet for local musical talent.
Several dancing groups from performing arts studios performed while other favorites included tractors, both pedal and gas-powered, and Jeeps.
Those in the crowd seemed to enjoy the sights and sounds.
Erin Moore of Cranberry Township has been coming to the parade for years.
"I just come to have some fun and see all the different kinds of floats," Moore said.
"There are very few small town communities that have parades any more. It gives a sense of pride to the community," said Eugene Hazy of Zelienople, who added his children are usually part of the parade.
Laura Johnson, who moved to Zelienople several weeks ago, heard all the commotion outside and came out to see what the parade was all about.
"This is really great," she said of her first Zelienople parade experience.
Zelienople Mayor Tom Oliverio said the parade is a great thing for the community bringing an estimated 6,000-plus people to Main Street.
"There are a lot of people smiling and laughing out here. It's a great time, a fun time for Zelienople," said Oliverio. "What else can you ask for?"
Following the parade, other events were scheduled at the Community Park culminating with a fireworks display.
