JAY — Independence Day was celebrated a day early in the Tri-Town region with a parade Sunday afternoon, July 3.

The Memco parking lot was a beehive of activity as units lined up prior to the parade kicking off at 2 p.m. Meanwhile, people were staking out spots to view the parade in the Chisholm area near St. Rose of Lima Church.

Gail Tourtelotte of Jay and her adopted son, Alexzander were seen just beyond the Livermore Falls town line. She said it was Alexzander’s first time attending the parade as she adopted him last October. He wasn’t too sure about the parade and at first thought he wasn’t going to like it. He did smile when he learned there were going to be several fire engines taking part.

Ryker Hall of Livermore Falls was also attending the parade for the first time. The almost two-year old snacked on fish-shaped crackers while waiting.

Danielle Farrer and her young child Finnegan Farrer found a spot on the church lawn to wait for the parade. Another family of four chose to sit near a tree that offered a bit of shade.

Jay and Livermore Falls police cruisers led the parade followed by a truck representing Lane-Dube AMVETS Post 33 of Jay.

Watchers thrilled to the maneuvering of the Kora Crazy Cops and a smaller Kora Shrine Temple unit. Drivers completed figure eights and tight circles in the middle of the road. Some from the cop unit drove close enough to clap hands with those lining the route.

Some young people rode bicycles sporting red, white and blue decorations. Many in the large ATV contingency wore patriotic colors.

Several antique automobiles drove along the route while another was hauled on a trailer.

The parade ended with several fire trucks from the Jay, Livermore and Livermore Falls departments. Young people in the truck cabs waved to those lining the street as they rode past.

Excited chatter and fists full of candy were observed as people made their way back to their cars afterwards.