Twin sisters Emma and Olivia McClung, both 4, wave to parade participants during the Fourth of July parade in New Richmond.

Twin sisters Emma and Olivia McClung, both 4, wave to parade participants during the Fourth of July parade in New Richmond.
It was a hot, humid morning July 4, but that didn’t stop residents from lining Front Street in New Richmond to watch the annual Fourth of July parade.

“It’s a tradition,” Michelle Fletcher, of Amelia, said about the parade. “It’s just what we always did.”

Fletcher, who grew up in New Richmond and moved to Amelia, returned this year with her friend Melanie Spitzmiller and Spitzmiller’s children Ty and Trey.
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“We came to start a new tradition,” Spitzmiller said.

Fletcher said that for her, the parade brings back memories of growing up in the village, and many residents who live in the village come out to watch the parade each year.

“It’s nice to have one,” Robin Minervini, a resident of the village, said about the Fourth of July parade. “This one has been here as long as I have.”

Minervini brought her daughter Madison and Madison’s friend Makayla to the parade this year. The girls were decked out in patriotic clothing and accessories and said they were excited to see the parade come by.

“It’s wonderful,” Minervini said about the parade. “It’s great to see the show, the people, the cars.”

Dozens of individuals and organizations participated in the parade this year including local veterans, the New Richmond High School marching band, Girl Scout and Boy Scout troops, local businesses, the village fire and EMS employees and more.

Parade participants decorated vehicles, golf carts or floats and carried American flags as they marched down Front Street and many passed out candy or other souvenirs to residents.

Benjamin Wirmel, a Boy Scout who marched in the parade, said it was fun to participate.

“I like marching around,” Wirmel said. “It’s fun to see everyone.”

Megan Hicks, a resident of the village, said she comes to the parade every year to see her grandfather march in the parade. She also said it is a good way to celebrate the holiday.

“To celebrate what got us here and what made us free,” Hicks said.