Residents mark July 4th at parade in Hamilton

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Members of Madison High School marching band make their way along the parade route in Hamilton on Thursday, July 4, 2013. JOHN HAEGER @ONEIDAPHOTO ON TWITTER/ONEIDA DAILY DISPATCH

Abraham Lincoln, played by Jack Baylis, make his way along the parade route in Hamilton on Thursday, July 4, 2013. JOHN HAEGER @ONEIDAPHOTO ON TWITTER/ONEIDA DAILY DISPATCH

HAMILTON >> Hamilton? showcased its red, white and blue Thursday as hundreds lined village streets to watch the annual 4th of July parade.

The Madison County Sheriff's? Department prepared early for the temporary shutdown of route 12B to detour traffic and make the parade route safe for participants and parade goers.

At 10:30 a.m. the traditional? parade stepped off from the Hamilton airpark and proceeded south on route 12B where participants were greeted with enthusiastic crowds as they made their way down the village's main street.

"There is something uniquely special about celebrating the birth of our nation with a parade and fireworks, said Monique DiPalma of Earlville.? DiPalma has been making the Hamilton 4th of July parade part of her holiday celebration for many years.

School marching band units from Madison, Stockbridge Valley and Laurens? joined the Canastota Community Band and numerous, civic groups, businesses? and churches in a nearly hour long procession celebration America's birthday.

As she watched the various units march by, Deanna Rose of Munnsville said "Next to Christmas this is my most favorite holiday of the year.? I decorate my entire porch with flags and banners of red, white and blue and plan a whole weekend of celebrating with family and friends".

The theme of this years parade was ?Travel an American Road.?? Oneida Savings Bank won the award for best themed float for their patriotic display highlighting the many roads that bring the community together.

No parade would be complete without the various politicians marching and waving to their constituents.? Hamilton's parade featured village and county officials as well as the area's NY State representatives from the Senate and Assembly - Dave Valesky and Bill Magee.

Hamilton resident Ruth Hartshorne was chosen as this year's grand marshall .? Hartshorne was both? a founder and teacher of the Chenango Nursery School, and founder of? Education Unlimited - a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing assistance to? nontraditional age community members pursuing their educational goals.

Source: http://oneidadispatch.com/articles/2013/07/05/news/doc51d6b4ff6d3dc287430210.txt

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