Among other things, Brooklin is known for having one of the most charming Independence Day celebrations you’ll ever experience. It starts at 9 a.m. with the amazingly good Brooklin Town Band playing uplifting music in the shade of the large maples on the Library lawn, across from the General Store.

At 10:30, the parade starts with military veterans leading the way, proudly guarding Old Glory as they march.

After them, there’s usually a grand display of how some of our taxes are spent locally – fire trucks and ambulances from Brooklin and nearby towns come with sirens on and lights blinking.

Then, there are imaginative floats and displays created locally. These, unsurprisingly, included many with water themes this year, including synchronized swimming and a yellow submarine that played the Beatle’s song of the same name.

Some fine antique cars and trucks that live up here are always a dazzling part of the parade.

Jeeps and All Terrain Vehicles. usually are among the motorcade, as well.

Interspersed are all sorts of people promoting their causes or who just decided that they wanted to march. As usual, dogs get priority seating.

The parade ends at the Town Green, where delicious food and children’s games await and neighbors (full time and summertime) get to enjoy each other’s company. Our teenagers volunteer being targets in the Wet Sponge Toss , where even a near miss can be an uncomfortable experience..