Parade Within A Parade

 

Veterans: Why we remember at Memorial Day

The Hadley Memorial Day Parade has always been a tad more celebratory than somber -- more so this year with the additional commemoration of Hopkins Academy milestone anniversary.   And there's nothing wrong with that, as long as parents remind their children at some point what the day represents.

 With all the police units in the line of march, security is never an issue

This year's parade was the largest in years, running almost 40 minutes,  and the crowd of spectators that lined Rt 9 was also the largest in years and did not seem overly put off when a raincloud directly over Hadley town center opened up about half way through the festivities.

Hopkins Academy Marching Band

An entire division of floats, vehicles and marchers was added to commemorate Hopkins Academy 350th anniversary. Where academics has always co-existed with farming (and sports), with bountiful results on all fronts.

Mapleline Farms

Devine Farm

Wet Line Dancers

Jada on candy patrol

Ernie's Towing: Now that the students are gone, more time for parades