Polson parade boasts nearly 50 entries
KRISTI NIEMEYER | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 2 years, 1 month AGO
Kristi Niemeyer learned her newspaper licks at weekly newspapers, beginning at the Mission Valley News in 1981, then at the helm of the Ronan Pioneer and, eventually, as co-editor of the Lake County Leader until 1993. She launched and co-published Lively Times, a statewide arts and entertainment monthly, before returning to the Leader in 2022, and serving as its editor until July 2026. Reach her at [email protected] | July 11, 2024 12:00 AM
There were 47 entries in Polson’s Fourth of July parade – just shy of last year’s 52 entrants.
“It did seem really huge this year,” said Lori Abramson, office manager for the Polson Chamber of Commerce, which sponsors both the parade and the fireworks display on July 3.
A crowd favorite was clearly the standoff between the Redcoats and the Polson Minutemen that preceded the actual parade. The ragtag group of Minutemen were first dispersed near the Elks Club on Main Street by a barrage of firecrackers, shot from British muskets. They regrouped near the VFW and prevailed during the second skirmish, disarming their foes.
The Honor Guard led the parade, while local fire departments and emergency responders brought up the end. In between were antique cars, horses and riders, bagpipers, the high school band, and various community and commercial floats.
Santa, bedecked in red and white stripes, cruised through town on a vintage Polson fire truck, while another fire truck kept the crowd cool with a water spray. Tooth fairies handed out both tooth brushes and candy from the Windauer Family Dentistry Tooth Fairy Castle – a possible attempt to gain a few new customers.
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