Milton parade had a little bit of everything

With selectmen, police and fire chiefs leading the way, The Liberty Chapel Congregational Church float ambles through downtown Milton Mills during its annual 4th of July parade on Saturday. (Lebanon Voice/Harrison Thorp photos)

MILTON MILLS - As usual Milton's 4^th of July parade had a little bit of everything.

And since it wasn't raining like it did at last year's celebration, it was with a touch of exuberance that selectmen, the town's police and fire chiefs and dozens of children riding decorated bikes took a leisurely stroll through the quintessentially quaint village of Milton Mills starting right on time somewhere around 10 a.m.

One of those riding a decorated bike and vying for a $15 gift certificate to Milton Mills Variety was 6-year-old Grace Melaragni of Milton, who said it was a team effort with her mom, Kristen, to get her ride ready.

The Friends of MFPL sponsored the contest, which planned for three winners in three separate divisions.

Kristen Melaragni of Milton puts the finishing touches on daughter Grace's decorated bike on Saturday.

The parade also boasted a couple of antique cars, including a vintage 1966 Ford Thunderbird owned by John and Judy Gemas of Milton.

The royal blue interior and exterior of the Gemas' "Bird" was stunning, and under the hood wasn't too shabby either, a 428 cubic inch power plant instead of the 390 in most T-Birds of that era. The only thing Gemas lamented? No air conditioning in this model. (Not to worry, sir, your car is way cool.)

And of course there were plenty of kids scrambling for candy thrown from cars and floats.

The Lebanon Voice was also in the parade as well as a float from Liberty Chapel Congregational Church in Milton Mills.

The float was driven by Pastor John Kane, while his wife, Linda, strode with walking partner Pattie Burnett wearing placards that read, "Pray for American" and "America Believes in Justice."

"We need a lot of help in our country," Linda Kane said. "People aren't speaking up to support our country and we're not doing God's work. People need to get out and vote and they have to know what they're voting on.

Judy Gemas, with Zeta, an Italian greyhound dressed to the (ca)nines inside a 1966 T-Bird.

"We've taken God out of schools, and it's a nono to say a prayer; it's so wrong.

"It makes me sad that a lot of kids don't know Him. And some probably don't even know what it is we're celebrating today."