On Saturday, hundreds of Strong residents and visitors celebrated the town’s annual Pierpole Day, named in honor of a member of the Abenaki tribe who welcomed settlers to the area in the 1700s. The afternoon parade down Main Street honored its dedicated long-serving lead organizer Bill Birden, who manages to get the floats, the marchers, judges and musicians where and when they should be for the big event every year. Valerie Tucker photo

On Saturday, hundreds of Strong residents and visitors celebrated the town’s annual Pierpole Day, named in honor of a member of the Abenaki tribe who welcomed settlers to the area in the 1700s. The afternoon Movies-themed parade down Main Street featured creative floats, including Sandy River Cash Fuel’s Beauty and the Beast entry. The day also offered a chance for many of the town’s organizations, like the Strong Historical Society, to open their doors and display the often-overlooked work of its volunteers. Valerie Tucker photo