Windham in “Old Glory” Spirits

WINDHAM - What’s good for the flowers was good for Windham Hose Company No. 1 volunteers, leading the annual 4th of July Parade, last Saturday, after lightning, thunder and pouring rain nearly changed the plan. The summer deluge ultimately delayed the long procession of floats and dignitaries by only a few minutes. The number of marching (and very wet) firefighters was reduced due to answering sundry calls to duty. Crowds of well-wishers returned as the storm clouds dissipated.

Sporting a bumbershoot, Windham town supervisor Thomas Hoyt light-heartedly protects Uncle Sam and and Lady Liberty on their REV 250 float, one of many in the community’s popular Independence Day parade. Participants headed for cover or got drenched awaiting the startup which was temporarily stopped by a powerful thunderstorm.

Greene County sheriff Pete Kusminsky (center) huddles with Windham Hose Company No. 1 members (left to right) Michael Scarey (president) Mickey Begley (vice-president) and Jordan Braren (fire chief), staying out of harm’s way beneath a pavilion while getting digital updates on a dark skies thunderstorm that threatened to cancel the July 4th parade…but not dampening the spirit of celebrating America’s 250th Birthday.

580 balloons were needed for “Crazy” Christine Doolan and helper Vincent Cupo to create a very different Old Glory on Main Street in Windham. 

Windham Foundation and town of Windham continued a tradition begun by Peter Liman, bringing the annual Sandcastle Contest to C.D. Lane Park on July 4th, drawing hundreds of visitors. Among those on hand were (left to right) town supervisor Thomas Hoyt, Windham Foundation treasurer Jakub Mleczko and the ice cream ladies Lisa Hoyt and Elisha Schieren (ice cream provided by Hickory Hill Market).

“We love it here,” said (left to right) Atlas Cole, Ethan O’Brien and Anna O’Brien, meaning Windham and America. They created an “American Eagle” using pine cones, sticks, stones, shells and (of course) sand.

American birthday cake “baked” for the 250th celebration of America by (left to right) Maddox and Jax Walton and Jake Genel, making the trip to the mountains with their families from Brooklyn.

4th of July family event included (front left to right) Audrey Calcagni, Emerson, Brooks and Quinn McKee, Carson Gonzalez and (back) Camila Villegas, Helene Saller, Maya Duvae, Barry Smith and Eloise Calcagni. The younger sandcastlers created the tribute to the 250th birthday of America.