A crowd packed the parade route Saturday morning during Seneca’s annual Independence Day parade.
From tractors to classic cars, fire trucks from three districts to floats built by local churches, the parade rolled its way down Cherokee Avenue. There were approximately 90 entries and more than 100 horses in the hour-long parade.
Four-year-old Stephen Meyer of Neosho left with a pocketful of candy. The family has come to the Seneca parade for years.
He liked the candy, the dogs and the fire and police vehicles, which he calls “siren men,” but he waits for the end of the parade to watch his friends ride past.
“The horseys,” Meyer said were his favorite.
Clouds arrived just before the parade bringing a sprinkle or two, but the rain held off until after the last horse left the route.
“It hasn’t rained and it’s cool and that makes a good parade,” said Seneca Mayor Gary Roark. “For a little town like Seneca, more people come to see a parade and participate in a parade than you’ll ever find.”
Attendance has been good at the event. Cars came from Fairview, politicians from around the county and visitors from all over to take part.
Tim Wright, his wife and three daughters came from Welch, Okla., to see what all the fuss was about. They planned to return for the evening’s fireworks, and next year the family wants to bring the girl’s grandparents from Oklahoma City.
“It’s a neat town and we just enjoyed the whole atmosphere today,” Wright said. “I hope they keep doing it. There’s no 4th of July parade where we’re at.”
Top entries at the parade were:
First place entry went to Racine Christian Church with their float, flag handouts and walkers carrying a huge American flag.
Second place went to Lori’s English Gardens with its depiction of a colonial woman under an arch of flowers.
Best car in show went to Gary Smith and his 1966 Dodge A100.
Best horse in show went to Floyd Sreaves.
