The Fourth of July is the high point of summer when families, friends, and communities can come together to celebrate our nation. But let us not forget that American history was purchased by the blood, sweat, and tears of our armed forces and their loved ones.
July 4 Parade in Centralia
Project facilitator and local photographer Amanda McDougall loves the annual Windermere Centralia 4th of July parade. “I believe that community events are one of the main things that bring us together. They help us to mark time, celebrate culture and have fun. I also think that they are one of the things that makes our area so family friendly.” Organized by the Centralia Downtown Association, the parade has taken place since 1976.
This year marks the third year that Windermere Centralia has sponsored the parade. Owner Max Vogt explains that Windermere Real Estates strives to stay involved in citywide functions and strongly believes in “interacting with and improving our community.”
Windermere Centralia formerly sponsored downtown music in the park but “when the parade was in need of funding, we stepped up because we love doing this. It’s such a classic American thing to do, so hometown,” says Vogt.
As the event’s main sponsor, the Windermere Centralia team marches in the parade, judges entrants, and helps choose the annual theme and grand marshal. “People come up to us all year long” thanks to recognition from the event, he says.
Newly appointed to the Centralia City Council, Vogt “doubly understands the importance of business and community members giving back to where they live.”
Pearl Harbor Heroes Theme
This year’s 4th of July parade’s theme will be “Pearl Harbor Heroes, 75th Anniversary.”
McDougall explains that this year’s Grand Marshal is a Pearl Harbor survivor. “Chief Petty Officer Bill Furrer, United States Navy (retired), served our country valiantly from 1940 until 1961. Bill was stationed on Ford Island in Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 and witnessed the horrific events that unfolded that Sunday morning. In fact, Bill saw the first of hundreds of bombs and torpedoes dropped from the first squadron of Japanese aircraft which, as you know, resulted in thousands of U.S. casualties and catapulted the U.S. into WWII.”
Bill and his wife Elaine live in Centralia. “They were married on Independence Day 1944 in the Centralia First Methodist Church on the corner of N Pearl Street and Pine Street and will be celebrating their 72nd anniversary on July 4, 2016,” adds McDougall.
Even the parade’s promotional poster is a thoughtful remembrance of Pearl Harbor. Local artist Amanda Hanson says, “I was inspired to do a watercolor painting based off of some photographs I saw online of people dropping flowers and flower petals into the waters surrounding the memorial, in honor of the people who lost their lives. I thought it was a touching, and quiet, way to pay respect. In the painting I have the USS Arizona Memorial, with the American Flag on top of it, with a procession of red, white, and blue lei flowers being gently carried out into the ocean by the rolling current.”
Parade Logistics
The 2016 parade takes place on Monday, July 4 at 4:00 p.m. The route begins on Centralia College Blvd in front of the Centralia Timberland Library, goes down Tower to Center, then back up Pearl to Main. George Washington Park is always a great spot to watch, as is the downtown area on Tower and Pearl. You can find a map of downtown Centralia on the city’s website.
For a limited number of volunteers wishing to honor Pearl Harbor, space is available in a festive trolley as part of the parade. Prospective participants should simply show up before the parade at the on-site check in table wearing their best red, white, and blue festive clothing.
The parade is part of Summerfest, which takes place downtown, at the Southwest Washington Fairgrounds and nearby Borst Park. Festivities begin with a 7:00 a.m. pancake breakfast and run through a 10:30 p.m. fireworks show. Many events are free and all are family-friendly fun.
Interested in participating in the parade? Groups, clubs, and organizations can fill out the online registration form to be included.
As you wave to the passing Windermere Centralia 4th of July parade, celebrate what brings our community together on Independence Day.
