The Fourth of July is, at its root, a political holiday. Still, in a year between elections, one might expect less politics in parades. However, where a crowd gathers, political people see opportunities.
I took in the parade in Richmond. The theme was honoring farmers -- a pretty apolitical focus. There were people dressed as cows, folks on horses, leading goats, folks handing out flowers and the usual array of fire trucks from all the neighboring towns. (I couldn't quite understand the signficance of one float with "cows that shoot" other than it offered the opportunity to shoot squirt guns at parade watchers.)
Still, between the trucks and animals, a group of Veterans for Peace marched quietly. Richmond is home to a weekly peace vigil. This small band handed out information sheets, rather than candy -- which kids and parents weren't as eager to grab.
It looked like a lot more politics played out in the parade in Waitsfield -- based on my viewing of one television clip. That's always the case. One float tried to symbolically suck up carbon polluters and folks advocated for passage of the energy bill that Gov. Jim Douglas vetoed. (The override session is set for July 11.)
It's a lot more interesting to see political issues paraded down Main Streets than political candidates -- unless candidates are creative. Of course then they run the risk of being seen as silly -- well they run that risk anyhow, don't they.
-- Nancy Remsen
