Lyndonville puts on patriotic parade for celebration of Fourth
Photos by Tom Rivers
LYNDONVILLE – Bob Eberle dressed as Uncle Sam and waves to the crowd along Main Street during today’s Fourth of July parade in Lyndonville.
Eberle was in the parade last year with the Lyndonville Class of 1982. He was asked to be Uncle Sam today and did it for the first time.
He was happy to add a well known July 4th character to the patriotic procession.
“A lot of people look forward to coming back to this small town and seeing friends they haven’t seen in the past five to 10 years,” Eberle said.
Molly Ingersoll, a member of the Leos Club at the school, passes out American flags before the parade. About 5,000 flags were available to the crowd.
Russ Martino, the grand marshal for the parade, rode in a car driven by Scott Schmidt. Martino was a shop teacher in the high school for 16 years and then a principal in the elementary school for 17 years. He later served as the yates town supervisor. Martino also has been a member of the Lyndonville Lions Club for 42 years.
He said it was a thrill to have many people yell out greetings to him in the parade, either calling him “Russ” or “Mr. Martino.”
“I’ve never found a friendlier place or nicer people,” Martino said.
Just before the hour-long parade a military flyover passed over Lyndonville – twice. The plane came from the 911th United States Air Force Reserve from Pittsburgh, Pa. The flyover was at about noon.
This group tries to get photos of the plane as it flies over Main Street.
Pudgie’s Veggies was in the parade promoting its sweet corn, tomatoes, squash, zucchini, cucumbers and potatoes. Many local businesses were part of the parade.
Gordon-Fisk, Inc, a lawn equipment sales and service business on Ridge Road in Medina, brought several lawn mowers to be in the parade.
This group waves from a boat on a trailer. They are representing Ontario Shores Realty which “specializes in waterfront property.”
These kids squirted water from a float promoting an upcoming Vacation Bible School at Oak Orchard Assembly of God from July 9-12.
Mark Hughes accepts a donation to go towards the Lyndonville fireworks show. Next year will be the 50th anniversary of the Lions Club putting on a Fourth of July celebration for the community.
Robert Batt, executive director of the Cornell Cooperative Extension, wears a 4-H costume to help promote the upcoming 4-H Fair from July 24-29. He is chatting with Shawn Cook, one of the fair volunteers.
Motorcyclists in ABATE of Orleans County brought a big group near the start of the parade.
Everett and Sylvia Bruning wore capes and passed out candy for Gallagher Hill Trucking in Albion. Their cousin Kendyll Kidney also was generous handing out treats.
American Legion member Joe Hausler joined other veterans on a trolley for the parade.
Bill Wolter, a candidate for Shelby highway superintendent, waves to people along Main Street.
Wandering Trails Taxidermy by Ashley had animals holding flags.
Dancers from Dance Theater in Medina toss candy to kids along the parade route.
The Murray Tractor Pull promoted its event on July 22.
This lineup includes a costumed Deadpool character, members of Hometown Wellness Center in Medina and youth football players in RBL (Roy-Hart, Barker and Lyndonville).
The Lyndonville school band, including many students who graduated last month, showed up in big numbers and played patriotic music along the parade route.
The band gave an energetic performance despite the bright sunshine and heat in the low 80s.
