Bourne on the 4th of July

I have fond memories of going to the July 4th Parade in Sandwich, 'back in the day'.  July 4th really isn't a big deal on the west coast, other than an excuse to drink heavily and light fireworks.  The holiday really means more on the east coast, especially in the 13 Colonies, since this was Ground Zero for the American Revolution.  

When I saw the "Bourne on the 4th of July Parade" banners across Main Street, I decided to go check it out.  We awoke that morning to pouring down rain.  My honey bunny decided to stay home and relax, so I went downtown to take some pics.  It was surprisingly crowded considering the weather.

This was what was promised:  Bourne - 10:00 am - Clowns, bands, floats, fire trucks, sirens, horses, costumes, scouts, veterans and lots of flags will be part of the Fourth of July scene once again along main Street in Buzzards Bay. The parade route will be the intersection of Academy Drive and Main Street to the Bourne Veterans Memorial Community Building.

The reality was something else, altogether ("the reality was something else").  Let's just say that Bourne didn't get the A List participants.  We didn't even get the B List participants.  Russell was smart to have stayed home and dry, while I got somewhat soaked, hoping that the parade would get better.  There were about 3 or 4 clowns, a few flags.  No marching bands at all.  Not even Bourne High School. No horses.  Maybe 4 floats. Can't recall seeing scouts or many veterans.  Mostly it was military vehicles, cop cars, fire trucks and then all the town vehicles, including the street sweeper.  There were 2 bagpipe bands.  I texted Russell that it would have been nice to see his truck in the parade because at least it would have added some colour.

I do love the old firetruck brushbreakers.

These pipers were pretty good but they didn't do my fave, "Scotland the Brave" till after they'd passed by me.

Cape League baseball team The Bourne Braves.

Jeep Club of Cape Cod.  This was when things really started to get lame.

Bourne Scenic Park is a seasonal trailer park near the Canal.

Really?

Were they paying these town guys time and half, plus fuel costs for this?

Then I thought, finally, here come the floats and stuff!

Did they really pluck the whale out of the garden at Barlow's Clam Shack for this?

At least Monument Beach had it together enough to do a float.

Best one in the parade.  I got 2 strands of beads!

Aleppo Shriner's Fire Brigade.

A few local businesses participated.

Farmers.

Because nothing says 'Bourne' like a mariachi band.

And that was just about it.  45 minutes long.  Sorry to be a Debbie Downer but to be honest:  Lamest. Parade. Ever.