FARMINGTON — Independence Day was celebrated in style at Farmington’s annual Fourth of July Parade on Monday.

The parade was themed “Celebrating America’s Superheroes.”

Floats were bedecked in superhero emblems and Captain America shields while marchers wore superhero capes. Fire trucks from Chesterville, Farmington and Wilton also drove through.

Attendees had the opportunity to pet some farm animals, with Seavey Farm and Hardy Farm bringing along horses, ponies and calves.

But all of the children were most excited for the candy thrown by Town Manager Christian Waller, Farmington Police Chief Kenneth Charles and other floats.

Charlotte Fowler, 4, and her father Nathan came prepared with a special bucket to collect all of the candy.

Meanwhile, the Nadeau family and their five children ran after the candy, scooping it up with their hands.

Daughter Josie Mai Nadeau said she also loved the parade because, “I can spend it with my family.”

“We just love our country,” father Jonathan Nadeau said.

Dexter “Buzz” Bridges, the Animal Control Officer of New Sharon, marched as Uncle Sam, singing out patriotic tunes “God Bless the USA” and “America the Beautiful.”

Bridges explained that he walked in the parades while singing as Uncle Sam because “I love getting people to smile.”

The parade was also an opportunity for Devaney, Doak & Garrett Booksellers to launch their “Find Waldo in Farmington” initiative. Nicholas Cole, dressed as Waldo (of “Where’s Waldo” fame) encouraged people to shop local by searching for the character in different stores across town.

Following the parade, attendees headed to Meetinghouse Park where Joe Clark and his children read aloud the “Declaration of Independence.

Clark, dressed with his family in the Federation of North-American Explorers uniform, said he’s trying to bring back the tradition of reading the pronouncement adopted by the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia on July 4, 1776.

At the reading, Waller, who assumed the role of town manager in August 2021, said there was great energy at the first Independence Day parade he’s attended in town.

“[The Fourth of July parade] is important to remember the key things that bring us together,” he said.

But his arm was sore from throwing all of that candy, he said.

While the day was a celebration of America, some attendees said they had conflicting feelings with the current events in the country, including recent Supreme Court decisions that overturned the federal right to an abortion, rolled back elements of tribal sovereignty, and “curtailed the Environmental Protection Agency’s ability to regulate the energy sector.”

Alanna Jordan, a New Sharon native who brought her three sons from France, said that some of the issues in the Supreme Court “were not making me feel as patriotic this year.”

“It’s a great country we live in but recently I’ve been disappointed,” Jordan said.

Nevertheless, Jordan enjoyed bringing her three sons, whom she is raising in Bordeaux, France, to give them this experience.

Other attendees echoed those concerns and lack of patriotism this year, but said they were enjoying spending time with family at the parade.

Floats and marchers also had the opportunity to enter into categories for awards. The winners, selected by the Farmington Rotary, included:

• Franklin Savings Bank’s “Super Bankers” for “Best Overall.”

• Seavey Farm for first place in Agriculture/Animals.”

• David Mayo’s antique police car for first place in Antique Car/Tractor/Truck.

• New Hope Baptist Church for first place in floats, where they honored “America’s Real Superheroes,” first responders, military members and police officers.

• Devaney, Doak & Garrett for first place in Walkers/Bands/Music.

• American Legion Color Guard, who led the parade, for first place in Military/Patriotic.

Winners were given ribbons and chamber bucks.

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