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AUBURN, Mass. – Sometimes it felt like the Sahara Desert, but the scorching temperatures couldn’t prevent Auburn’s 50th Annual Independence Day Celebration on Saturday.
Auburn Fourth of July Festivities
A parade, Civil War re-enactment, food, music, and fireworks highlighted Saturday's all-day Fourth of July celebration at Lemansky Park.
The parade stepped off on Bryn Mawr Avenue next to Dooley’s Cleaners and went all the way to Lemansky Park. The parade included state Sen. Michael Moore, state Rep. Paul Frost, Selectmen Doreen Goodrich, Robert Grossman, Steve Simonian, and Denise Brotherton. There were also antique cars, floats, cavalry, Keeping Auburn Warm and McCoy’s Action Karate, among other groups.
Then, in Lemansky Park, Caroline Geeze, a graduate of Auburn High School, sang the national anthem, followed by speeches from elected officials.
“We have so much to be thankful for in this country, and it all stems back to the veterans and the soldiers who took the chance over 200 years ago to fight for independence,” said Moore(D-Millbury). “Rightfully so, we have the American flag, American Legion flag and POW flag held by veterans who have served our country, making so many sacrifices.”
“This is the greatest country that ever was and ever will be,” said Frost (R-Auburn). “But we need to keep it that way and remember where our freedoms came from – our veterans and the brave men in 1776. Let’s remember that, through great sacrifice, we have freedom and this great country.”
After the speeches, the cavalry from the parade fired several shots from a Civil War cannon, with help from the elected officials.
Throughout the afternoon, there was a car show with antique cars, train rides, pony rides, food and more.
There were games for kids, and there were vendors selling jewelry, candles, hair accessories and novelty items for children.
“It’s going incredibly well. We doubled what we had from last year as far as vendors and participants from different cause groups,” said Kristen Pappas, Auburn’s recreation and culture director.
Keeping Auburn Warm also ran a dunk tank, which sent public officials, such as Moore, under water. Proceeds from the dunk tank went to Keeping Auburn Warm.
Music performances were held throughout the day. The Shakers Band, Rugged Road Band, Shannon Selig Band and Glenn Stewart Band all hit the stage.
Fireworks ended the celebration with a blast at 9:30 p.m.
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