For the past five years, July Fourth has arrived in Milano with a bang, transforming downtown, the normally peaceful center of gravity, into a brightly animated potpourri of red, white and blue - decorating clothing, flags, balloons, streamers, tractors, four-wheelers, bikes, marchers, and vehicles - in a patriotic cavalcade that originates across town at the Charlie Martin Memorial Park.
Milano City Councilwoman Carol Newman said the city sponsors the event because, while there may be other events in Milam County that celebrate Independence Day, tiny Milano still boasts the county’s only parade.
“We are very proud to be Americans,” Mrs. Newman said. “We love our country and we want to celebrate.”
Military veterans of all ages are especially welcome to come to Milano and serve as parade marshals, she said.
“The first year, it was mostly decorated tractors,” Mrs. Newman said.
Last year, about 30 entries joined the caravan of marchers, riders and motorists, including Milano Volunteer Fire Department vehicles blasting sirens along the route. Spectators line the parade route, but downtown Milano near the antique Bailey Bank Building attracts a large number of flag-waving revelers.
“We are very proud of our parade,” Mrs. Newman said.
Each year, Milano residents have gotten more creative with each parade. Spectators can see all types of July Fourth sights, ranging from Betsy Ross and the Statue of Liberty to floats with costumed 1776-era “patriots” and a towering “Uncle Sam” marching on stilts.
After the parade, the city invites the public to a hotdog lunch with all the trimmings in the cool interior of the Milano Civic Center. The Milano Lions Club members will help serve lunch. Last year, the city’s July Fourth party drew about 200, Mrs. Newman said.
The sixth annual Milano July Fourth parade begins at 10 a.m. Saturdaywith parade entries to register and line up at 9 a.m. the Charlie Martin Memorial Park off FM 3242, City Secretary Carolyn Vinton said.
The theme is “The American Spirit” with plaques and cash to be awarded to top winners in five divisions: bicycles and small battery operated vehicles; floats; vintage vehicles and tractors; motorized vehicles such as go-carts, four-wheelers and lawn mowers; horses, buggies and wagons; and best overall entry.
