AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler
Brought to you by Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi,
Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services,
and Midas of Annapolis and Pasadena
In the 50 years since the official beginning of the Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber’s Severna Park 4th of July Parade in 1975, there’s never been anything quite as exciting as watching those crowd-pleasing neighborhood floats appear at the top of Riggs Avenue enroute to the judge’s stand in the middle of town.
This year’s Olde Severna Park Improvement Association float managed to capture the early 70’s spirit of the year the Chamber launched its first parade five decades ago. From the “Peace, Love, Groovy” sign on the front of the float to the kids on board wearing tie-dyed t-shirts, psychedelic sunglasses, and crowns of daisies in young girls’ hair, all hinted at the bygone era when float designer Lew Heck created his Peace Dove Float from chicken wire and Kleenex. Is it any wonder Olde Severna Park won the chamber’s Best Theme award?
With 100 parade entries, there were more floats to come as well as many traditional elements. As always, patriotism played a significant role. Spectators lining the parade route were excited to see firetrucks from Earleigh Heights Volunteer Company at the head of the parade down Benfield and Evergreen Roads before cresting the hill at Riggs Avenue and roaring into Olde Severna Park with sirens screaming.
The appearance of the Nathan McDavitt Memorial Flag, as it was maneuvered by Cub Scout Troop 855 past the judges stand and onto Baltimore Annapolis Boulevard to a patriotic soundtrack, had everyone holding their hands over their hearts.
Color guards including one from the Anne Arundel County Department of Detention Center and another from the Anne Arundel County Marine Corp 1049 Color Guard came next.
They were followed by the parade’s 50th Anniversary Grand Marshall, Severna Park native and town Historian Scott Jay – a tremendously popular choice.
With 96 entries to go, we can’t picture them all but feature some of our favorites with a bit of information about each. In addition to some of the school’s students, Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu and Tai Chi’s “Lion” made its 24th Severna Park Independence Day Parade appearance, Lion-Dancing in and out of the crowds along the parade route.
According to owners Nancy and Billy Greer, Jing Ying Institute was the first martial arts business to appear in the parade as far as they know. (In later years, Kogen Dojo and Kwon’s Taekwondo became participants.)
“We’d opened our school in 2000, but too late to be able to enter the parade. So, we entered for the first time in 2001 and have appeared ever since with Tai Chi demonstrations and our lion,” Billy said. “We’ve also been a parade sponsor for the Best Overall float category for many years.”
The 206 Restaurant Group, owners of JB’s, Park Tavern, Donelly’s Dockside and the about-to-open-in-Millersville Oliver Brewing Company had a huge presence with marchers from all four businesses.
Their presentation was capped off by the appearance of the Oliver Brewing Company “Beer” to much acclaim from all who observed it.
Having opened in Davidsonville in 1973, Homestead Gardens has had a float in almost all of the Severna Park Parades. This year’s float honored America’s heroes.
As expected, the Round Bay neighborhood had an extraordinary float earning them 2nd Place in the Best Community Float category.
A group of marchers from Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services, a multi-year parade participant and annual sponsor of the chamber’s Decorated Bicycle Contest, came next. Just behind them were two gaggles of kids riding fancifully turned-out two-wheelers while competing on the contest for 1st, 2nd or 3rd place.
Vintage cars, ranging from a 1928 Model A Ford to 1950’s muscle cars and mid-60’s Corvettes appeared off and on throughout the parade. We especially loved the pale yellow 1948 Ford convertible from Street Survivors pictured below.
We also loved the gents from Edgewater-based MAD Soaps Marine & Auto Detailing decked out in powdered wigs and 1776 attire and making patriotic proclamations through a megaphone alternated with cries of “USA, USA”.
Parade watchers all along the route were not only surprised but in awe of the Linstead community’s magnificent “Chessie” which earned them both the Best Overall and Best Community titles. It appeared that the entire neighborhood turned out to escort Chessie down Benfield and Evergreen Road before cresting the hill at Riggs Avenue and passing before the judges.
The Magothy River Association’s working “Mills that Made the Magothy” water wheel earned admiration from all who viewed it as well. The ingenious float earned the association the Best Nonprofit title. MRA volunteers also handed out educational placemats to youngsters along the way to inspire them to help protect our watershed.
Music came back to the parade for the 50th Anniversary with the reappearance of the Woods Church Praise Band and the Severna Park High School Band. (There was even an actual majorette from The Sheridan Assisted Living.)
A new musical touch was added by a trio riding on the Trinity Bible Church float.
Multi-year participants, singers from The Chesapeake Harmony Chorus twirled their red, white and blue umbrellas while singing “The Star-Spangled Banner” as they marched by the judges.
Horses were back for the 50th Anniversary parade with Wild Kids Acre’s “Little Pony”, a mule and assorted horses ridden by lariat twirling caballeros. A guy with a shovel followed them.
Not only was there a Little Pony, there were also Little Houses from Jean and Christine and their Long & Foster crew.
Park Books and SPAN, Inc. had their own little houses.
New neighborhoods Severndale and Severna Forest participated in this year’s parade. The Severna Forest Float was particularly patriotic.
We could not fail to mention the parade’s most unique entry, two portable toilets from Gotugo complete with sound effects that wobbled past the judge’s stand to resounding laughter from the crowd.
And, of course, no Severna Park parade would be complete without an appearance by Rod Reddish and a contingent of talented riders from Pedal Pushers who were riding Penny Farthing’s and other historic or unique bikes.
There was so much more to see with entries from local businesses, schools, churches and organizations who have participated in the parade multiple times. Lew Heck’s iconic Eagle was back once more but, without the Indian chief in the canoe it wasn’t quite the same (since the float was inspired by the Native Americans who used the banks of the Magothy and Severn as their hunting grounds). A Kinder Farm vintage tractor and a few 4H members made a return after a few years’ absence but in a more limited way.
What was truly great about the 50th Anniversary Severna Park 4th of July Parade was that it continues to attract large crowds and is one of Anne Arundel County’s biggest draws. People turn out from Annapolis, Arnold, Severna Park, Pasadena, Millersville, Crofton, Glen Burnie and as far afield as Baltimore. Spectators look for seats wherever they can find them, along the curb of a sidewalk or in the bed of a truck as seen below.
It was a pleasure to view the Severna Park 4th of July Parade at its 50-year mark, and from what we observed, it’s clear that the chamber’s biggest annual event will just keep rolling along.
With the end of the 4th of July Parade, spectators flock to Diehl’s Produce
As always, Diehl’s Produce at the corner of B&A Boulevard and McKinsey Road was a major attraction before, during and after Severna Park’s 4th of July Parade. Paradegoers just flocked to the familiar red and white striped tents.
We caught up with manager Jennifer Diehls who told us that the 4th of July is always one of the stand’s busiest times.
“We have some really great produce this year. Our Eastern Shore Corn, picked this morning, is really delicious, Jenn said. “And, we have several varieties of Adams County, Pennsylvania peaches and blueberries that our customers just love.”
The Around The Park Again column is brought to you this week by Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu and Tai Chi at 1195 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd. – For over two decades providing martial arts training that improves cardio-vascular health, strength and flexibility whilereducing stress. Jing Ying is again bringing Tai Chi to the Severna Park Community Center. From health-defense to self-defense, Jing Ying provides fitness with a purpose for the whole family!
and by Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services at 815 Ritchie Hwy., Suite 206 – When you need someone to lean on, Lean On Dee. Their experienced team of personal care management specialists and friendly companions provide high quality consistent care.
And Midas of Annapolis and Pasadena, A family- owned business with four locations (Annapolis, Pasadena, Laurel and Wheaton). With 40 years’ experience and the backing of a national brand, they are committed to earning customers’ trust by offering the expertise, value and responsiveness drivers expect – “every time they visit us.”
