Crowds of kids, moms, and dads watched Palisade’s Independence Day parade march through downtown the morning of July 4. After the parade, they gathered in Memorial Park for games, prizes, and free ice cream provided by the Palisade Lions Club.
The parade featured the music of the Palisade High School Bull Dog Marching Band, riders on horseback, a horse-drawn carriage, gleaming vintage autos, fire engines, firefighters, police officers in Humvees, a pirate ship, a van with residents from the Palisades Living Center, marchers from American Legion Post # 50, a float with the mayor and town trustees, and two town grouches.
Candy was thrown to the crowds by participants in the parade. The parade was about 20 minutes long. Parade watchers included family dogs.
Memorial Park
In Memorial Park, shaded by trees on the bright summer day, visitors were able to picnic, buy hot dogs and brats, stop at the Colorado Native Beer Garden, or sample Gelu Italian Ice. Prizes and ribbons were awarded to game contestants. Games included sack races, a cake walk, a Hoop Race, and a Nail Driving Contest.
Palisade fire fighters and hoses provided water games for the kids.
Ron Koss, renowned musician and announcer, narrated the parade as it turned the corner at the Town Plaza, 3rd and Main Street.
The Town of Palisade and the Palisade Chamber of Commerce sponsored the 4th of July parade and games in Memorial Park. The parade gathered at the Fire Station. It started at 9 a.m. on 7th Street, marched north on Iowa Street to 3rd Street, then east on 3rd Street, and south on Main Street, disbanding at Memorial Park.
The Town of Palisade this year is celebrating its 110th anniversary, holding special events throughout the year. See the town website for information: townofpalisade.org. Also, see the Palisade Chamber of Commerce website for event information, www.palisadecoc.com.
Historical Society
“Col. Bower,” in period suit and top hat, was portrayed by Dave Cecuga for the Palisade Historical Society.
The Historical Society held an open house at its History Center, 311 Main Street, where visitors viewed a new video of photos and scenes from early-day Palisade. Regular hours at the center are Tuesday and Friday, 10 to 1, Sunday 11 to 1, also by appointment, 970 464-2177.
The History Center features a new photo exhibit, “The Grand Valley Diversion Dam, ‘The Roller Dam,’” which looks at early projects to provide irrigation water.
Veteran
Ralph Moss, 86, long-time Palisade resident, and his wife, Theona, were watching activities in the park. Ralph was asked about his wartime service. He was wearing a cap that commemorated WW II, Korean War, and the Vietnam War.
Moss said he served in the Korean War aboard a refrigeration ship based in Oakland, Calif. While on the ship, he visited the conflict in Korea seven times in 14 months.
Moss, who was born in Menlo, Kan., “on a wheat farm,” said Moss Way in Palisade is named after him. “Moss street is in my hayfield,” he quipped. He now lives on First Street.
Ralph Moss, Palisade, served in the Korean War.
PHOTO GALLERY
PALISADE’S 4TH OF JULY PARADE, AND EVENTS IN MEMORIAL PARK
Mayor Roger Granat and town trustees Robynn Sundermeier, Susan L’Hommedieu, Bennett Price, and Dave Edwards.
Palisade Trustee Cody Butters rode a bike beside the town float.
Jim Cox, current Town Grouch, rides topside, while former Town Grouch Bud Lofvenborg rides next to Palisade Fire Chief Richard Rupp.
Palisade Police Officer James Baker is seen as participants were assembling for the parade outside the Fire Station.
PARADE UNITS
Palisade Police Dept.
American Legion Color Guard
Old Red
Mesa County Republicans
The Highland Rogues
Colorado National Bank tractor
Moose
Town of Palisade Board
Palisade Historical Society
Western Dragway Jr dragsters
Palisade EMS
Debbie Tsakalos
Clark’s horse carriage. Peach Queen
Mesa County Sheriff’s Posse
Palisade Fire Dept.
Police Dept. Humvees
Palisade High School Band
First Baptist Church
East Orchard Mesa Fire Dept.
Motoplex
Rapid Creek Cycles
Yelling Willett
Palisade Living Center
Red Rock Radio
Pink Fire Truck
Unfortunately no one informed the media that the parade time had changed from 10 am to 9 am….we missed it. The sign at memorial park still advertised the start time as 10 am, after the parade had ended.
Mr Paxson, I apologize for the confusion. Not sure what the sign at Mermorial Park said. The water games started at 10am. There was an article posted on June 20th that talked about all the activities for July 4th.
There were postcards and flyers at businesses in town with the 9am parade start. It was not changed. I hope you will mark your calendar for July 4th, 2015 at 9am. There will be a Parade.
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great to see you atthe parade Bill. Good photos, except for the one of the current Town Grouch! :) Well done!