Unless you are actively involved in the procession, a Fourth of July parade provides an ideal opportunity for observers to get a feel for the community and its people.  We might discuss differences in perception, particularly whether parades used to be better, larger, more engaging, whatever. Perhaps, or even probably, time’s passage affects recollections. But simply assessing a specific parade based only on what happens that day in that wedge of visible space in front of the observer avoids any overlay of nostalgia or mis-recollection. What happens is what happens.  The participants and watchers are who they are.  But perhaps, as it turns out, there might be questions about what they feel and think. Or even what they are doing.

Here are some photos from the 2021 Juneau Fourth of July Parade.  This is not a “series”; there is no coordination between the depicted subjects beyond the fact they are celebrating the Fourth by being part of the parade or by watching it. Nor is there any theme or thread connecting these photos, or the separate acts of first taking them and then selecting them for display, apart from the fact they depict people who are participating in or watching this particular parade.

A few captions are provided, a little haphazardly, and without any real intent of explaining anything. Besides, a good image arguably shouldn’t require verbal explanation. 

Cue the music.

A few ride the route backwards before the parade begins.

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Child-management before the parade starts:

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Dogs pre-start: left, business-like focus; right, fancy footwork by dog and handler:

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Waiting builds appetites.

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Firetrucks, some old, red and loud, lead the way and offer favored seating. 131A8336 131A8349-Edit

Nice boat:

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Personalities on parade:

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Bagpipes are mandatory.

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Sponsors are featured.

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Not every watcher or participant can be expected to display joy.

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On the other hand:

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The marching band is a great favorite.

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Truck decoration doesn't have to be elaborate.

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