Children on bicycles participate in the Clifton Independence Day Parade. Photo by Abigail Constantino/The Connection
The Clifton Fire Department led lawnmowers, golf-carts, two pick-up trucks and an army of patriotically decorated bicycles down Main Street for the town’s Independence Day Parade on Friday, July 4 in Clifton.
Clifton residents lined up on Main Street to await the start of the parade, organized by the Clifton Betterment Association and town residents, and to cheer on the participants, who were mostly their neighbors and local children.
Politicians and their supporters also participated in the event. Republican congressional candidate for the 10th district Barbara Comstock walked the parade. And her Democratic opponent John Foust was represented by his wife, Dr. Marilyn Jerome.
Supporters of U.S. Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) attended, as did those of Republican challenger Ed Gillespie.
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors chairman Sharon Bulova (D), Supervisor Pat Herrity (R-Springfield) and Del. Tim Hugo (R-40) also participated in the town’s festivities.
The parade started on Dell Avenue and circulated twice on Main Street, Chapel, Pendelton and Clifton roads, ending in Aire Square, where Mayor Bill Holloway thanked the organizers and spoke of the significance of the day.
“The fourth of July is all about freedom...trust, faith, tradition and history.” He spoke about Clifton and its community. “People caring about each other, compassion and helping each other - that’s what our community is all about,” he said.
The crowd recited the pledge of allegiance and sang the national anthem led by Helen Rusnak. A potluck picnic in Clifton Town Park followed.
Kathy Hertz, of Clifton, said the event exemplifies the “spirit of America...It speaks about our community and how we are every day, which is a really tight, close community that’s there for each other.”