Athol lets the good times roll

HAILEY HILL | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 7 months AGO

Sixteen-month-old Noma Lois takes in her first parade with her mom in Athol on Saturday.
HAILEY HILL/Press

A woman waves to onlookers from the side of a TAP Septic LLC truck.

Many cruised on quads and other off-roading vehicles in Saturday's Athol Daze Parade.

Lucia Thompson was all stars and stripes Saturday in the Athol Daze Parade.

Sparky the dog waves from a Timberlake Fire Protection District truck in Athol on Saturday.

Jeanette Bertsch has seen a lot of change in her 30 years in Athol.

The way the community comes together for Athol Daze, however, has withstood the test of time.

“You get to see all your neighbors that you usually don’t get to see,” she said.

Bertsch joined her family, friends and neighbors to watch Saturday’s Athol Daze Parade make its way down Highway 54, the always-popular kickoff to the yearly celebration.

This year’s Athol Daze theme was "Let the good times roll."

Residents and businesses cruised in classic cars, trucks and off-roading vehicles while tossing candy to the few hundred parade-goers.

Timberlake Fire Protection District, along with mascot Sparky the dog, was a crowd favorite and received a standing ovation.

Ten-year-old Karah, who watched the procession with her brother, Levi, 5, sister Ana, 9, and her parents, said her favorite part of the parade was “everything.”

But if she had to choose, “Sparky the dog was my favorite,” Karah said.

Ana was proud to share that she performed in last year’s parade as a cheerleader.

“I like watching it better,” she admitted.

The siblings’ parents also got plenty of enjoyment out of the parade.

“We love Athol Daze,” said Brady Kaley-Smith. “It’s great to see what everyone comes up with each summer.”

Festivities continued throughout the day, with live music, a car show, food and games at the park.