Thomaston parade participants appeared to be on a mission this Fourth of July. Being on a mission often means taking your job seriously. And, a serious attitude often appears in the form of a serious demeanor. 

Spectators filled the sidewalks this Tuesday, July 4, 2023 and cheered on the floats and marchers – straight faced or not – whose participation provided a reason to shut down Main Street for two hours, allowing residents a chance to take back a street normally dominated by Route 1 traffic. 

The parade-time temperature topped at a humid 79 degrees. Threats of scattered showers sprinkled the holiday forecast, yet actual rain held off. 

A portion of the street was closed between Wadsworth Street and Erin Street starting at 10 a.m., so that families had time to find their perfect spot prior to the 11 a.m. entertainment.

This year, a quiet zone allowed people with noise sensitivities a chance to view multiple mobile fire trucks without frayed nerves. Spaced through the parade line were fire trucks from Warren, Waldoboro, St. George, Rockland, Rockport, Union, and Thomaston.