Marching through in red, white and blue

Township children decorated their bikes for the annual parade.
By PEGGY SINKOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
HOWLAND -- Dressed in shades of red, white and blue, hundreds lined East Market Street to watch the township's annual Fourth of July parade.
Even though the event was a day earlier this year, it wasn't soon enough for Alexis Paden, 9, and her cousin, Jaydah Wilson, 3, of Howland.
"We've been waiting since last year for this," said Alexis, who along with several other children rode her bike in the parade. "It's so much fun because we can be part of the parade. While I'm on my bike, Jaydah will walk."
Township children were invited to decorate their bikes to participate in the parade, said Darlene St. George, township administrator. Some adults also take part in the tradition.
Todd Kalkbrenner and his daughter, Katie, 8, decorated their bikes.
"We went to the dollar store and got this plastic torch, a bow and flowers," said Kalkbrenner, who also sported a large red, white and blue hat. "We thought it all adds to the fun."
Good turnout
The township's firetrucks, the Howland High School marching band, school clubs, and other community organizations took part in the 90-minute procession.
"I was a little shocked when I saw all the people," said Kyle Peer, 14, of Howland, who held a banner for Living Lord Lutheran Church. "I thought this was just going to be for the church. I didn't realize the whole entire town was showing up."
This year's parade was one of the largest, said Shawn Bryant, parade chairman.
"This is our ninth year, and this is our second-biggest," Bryant said. "The largest one, we had 150 units, and this year we had a total of 135 different units take part. It really turned out great."
After the parade, a festival, which included a classic car show, was held in the parking lot next to the high school.