Middleboro marches in step with patriotic pride
Lindsay MacKenzie and Ryder Mackenzie, 15 months, were all smiles. Photo by Sandy Quadros Bowles
A lone patriot shows his pride. Photo by Sandy Quadros Bowles
This tractor rider dressed as Abigail Adams and reminded viewers to "remember the ladies.'' Photo by Sandy Quadros Bowles
Grand marshal Lorna Brunelle waves. Submitted photo 
The state champion Middleboro High School team displayed their award and their enthusiasm. Photo by Sandy Quadros Bowles
Bubbles blew from this float. Photo by Sandy Quadros Bowles
The Lego float by the Amber family won the most original float award. Submitted photo 
From left, Alianna, 8, Elliot, 3, and Evan Pueschner, 10, wait for the parade. Photo by Sandy Quadros Bowles
John and Tara dressed for the occasion. Photo by Sandy Quadros Bowles
The party like it's 1776 float won the award for best float. Photo by Sandy Quadros Bowles
Sandi Deal, left, and Antonia Iavarone, 8, with Australian shepherd Zeus. Photo by Sandy Quadros Bowles
Evelyn Whynot, 8, with her mom Jamie Whynot. Photo by Sandy Quadros Bowles 
From left, Grace Birkett, 8, Hunter DaRosa 12, and Olivia Birkett, 12, enjoy hanging out together. Photo by Sandy Quadros Bowles 
Lucy McFadyen, 2, munches on a cookie. Photo by Sandy Quadros Bowles 
This tractor driver is decked out in patriotic colors. Photo by Sandy Quadros Bowles 
Youngsters recreate history on a float. Photo by Sandy Quadros Bowles 
The Senhor da Pedra band performs. Photo by Sandy Quadros Bowles
Lindsay MacKenzie and Ryder Mackenzie, 15 months, were all smiles. Photo by Sandy Quadros Bowles
A lone patriot shows his pride. Photo by Sandy Quadros Bowles
This tractor rider dressed as Abigail Adams and reminded viewers to "remember the ladies.'' Photo by Sandy Quadros Bowles
Grand marshal Lorna Brunelle waves. Submitted photo
The state champion Middleboro High School team displayed their award and their enthusiasm. Photo by Sandy Quadros Bowles
Bubbles blew from this float. Photo by Sandy Quadros Bowles
The Lego float by the Amber family won the most original float award. Submitted photo
From left, Alianna, 8, Elliot, 3, and Evan Pueschner, 10, wait for the parade. Photo by Sandy Quadros Bowles
John and Tara dressed for the occasion. Photo by Sandy Quadros Bowles
The party like it's 1776 float won the award for best float. Photo by Sandy Quadros Bowles
Sandi Deal, left, and Antonia Iavarone, 8, with Australian shepherd Zeus. Photo by Sandy Quadros Bowles
Evelyn Whynot, 8, with her mom Jamie Whynot. Photo by Sandy Quadros Bowles
From left, Grace Birkett, 8, Hunter DaRosa 12, and Olivia Birkett, 12, enjoy hanging out together. Photo by Sandy Quadros Bowles
Lucy McFadyen, 2, munches on a cookie. Photo by Sandy Quadros Bowles
This tractor driver is decked out in patriotic colors. Photo by Sandy Quadros Bowles
Youngsters recreate history on a float. Photo by Sandy Quadros Bowles
The Senhor da Pedra band performs. Photo by Sandy Quadros Bowles
MIDDLEBORO -- Middleboro threw a party worth waiting 250 years for.
On America’ssemiquincentennial celebration, July 4, 2026, the town paraded its patriotism on foot, floats and tractors at the annual Fourth of July parade.
Despite scorching heat, smiles abounded, with flags waving, bubbles blowing and candy being thrown as children eagerly chased the sweet offerings.
Reflecting the town’s rural history, many participants drove the route on tractors, including State Rep. Norman Orrall.
Lorna Brunelle, owner of The Alley Theatre and The Burt Wood School of Performing Arts, served as the grand marshal.
The state championship Middleboro High School baseball team rode its own float to the cheers of many spectators.
For some viewers, the parade has been a mainstay for decades.
“It’s always been a tradition,’’ said Nancy Stowell of Lakeville.
Robert Poulin of Lakeville, who has gone to the parade since childhood, said he has lots of memories of being with family members watching the festivities.
Leslie Hickey watched from her yard. “It’s America’s birthday,’’ she said of the parade’s importance. “It’s our history.’’
The country’s strength, Jim Hickey said, comes from “all the people of this country who have been here for 250 years. This is a beautiful country. I love living here.’’
Eight-year-old Evelyn Whynot said she came out with her mother Jamie Whynot because they are “celebrating America’s 250th.’’
Hunter DaRosa, 12, said she was enjoying the festivities with her friends. “I thought it was a fun event to do together,’’ she said.
As a group, she said, “we can celebrate our 250th anniversary.’’
