Parading for the Freedom to Read

The July 4th parade held in Warren is a living witness to the power of free speech. And community. And the hippie roots of the Mad River Valley. And this year, the love of libraries and books.  

If you’ve ever attended the parade, you know that the annual event, always held on July 4th, is not your typical celebration. There are some constants: buddy badges encouraging you to find your match and cold water sold by the fire department. But there is always something new to inspire you or make you think.

This year, ALL of our Vermont congressional representatives marched down Warren’s Main Street. Senators Bernie and Peter shook hands and waved, nary a security detail nearby. Representative Becca carried a box of Milk Bone treats to feed dogs along the route. 

As it is every year, the parade highlight is the mechanical floats built by creative artists and powered by strong humans. A standout float this year was a giant owl with a massive wingspan celebrating  libraries and protesting banned books.  Cannabis was a big theme this year, with a float proclaiming the virtues of cannabis. 

Marchers support quirky and humorous freedoms: the freedom to mulch, the freedom to be naked, the freedom to indulge. I found this year’s “heady topless” costume particularly amusing. 

The parade is also one of hope, with kids executing impressive wheelies on their motorbikes, librarians pushing book carts in intricate, choreographed patterns, and spectators smiling as they are showered with candy and Cabot cheese from the passing marchers.

At 74 almost-consecutive-years (missing one year due to Covid), the parade and subsequent field events at Warren Elementary never fail to delight residents and tourists alike.  If you haven’t been to the parade in a while, mark your calendar for next year. And if you’ve never been, mark your calendar, too. It’s worth the parking challenges to remember what freedom feels like.

(And a huge note of thanks to all the organizers for making the event happen!)