What time is Grayton's July 4 parade?

[Paula]

Can someone tell me a bit more about the Grayton July 4 parade? What time does it start? Where does it start and go to? What is it like compared to the Rosemary Beach and Seaside parades? Can people join in? Thanks.

[kurt]

Years ago, it was whenever folks with banging heads rolled out of bed and cranked up their rusty 4-wheel drive vehicles, or were able to pedal a bike or pull a wagon full of kids. When you heard horns honking, you knew it was time to find your bathing suit, grab a beer, and find your keys. After a few passes around town, the mechanized part of the procession would head on over to Seaside to collide with their uppity parade. It was a clash of the haves and have nots.

The last couple of years at Grayton, it has started around 8 am, lining up at the Red Bar and looping around town, with shinier vehicles and shinier people, almost all of whom are now haves. Having a definite start time is the first sign that it is all downhill from here. The people, their dogs, and their conveyances are decorated, but nothing like a real parade with floats.
http://www.sowal.com/photos-070405.html

I have only glimpsed the Seaside parade, years ago during the aforementioned clash. It is more elaborate with decorated floats and an absence of rust.

I have not seen the Rosemary parade, but am certain this guy is not in it:

http://www.sowal.com/050704-grayton-121.jpg

[seagrovelover]

Kurt those pictures are great, we always try to be on vacation :cool: that week so we can see the parade.......very cool

[Paula]

Nice story and photo, Kurt. I figured the Grayton parade was more like the ones we had growing up. I still remember using crepe paper to decorate our bikes.

[Miss Kitty]

Nice story and photo, Kurt. I figured the Grayton parade was more like the ones we had growing up. I still remember using crepe paper to decorate our bikes.

:clap_1: ...and attaching playing cards to our spokes with clothespins!!!! Awesome sound!!!

[Oldtimer]

Years ago, it was whenever folks with banging heads rolled out of bed and cranked up their rusty 4-wheel drive vehicles, or were able to pedal a bike or pull a wagon full of kids. When you heard horns honking, you knew it was time to find your bathing suit, grab a beer, and find your keys. After a few passes around town, the mechanized part of the procession would head on over to Seaside to collide with their uppity parade. It was a clash of the haves and have nots.

The last couple of years at Grayton, it has started around 8 am, lining up at the Red Bar and looping around town, with shinier vehicles and shinier people, almost all of whom are now haves. Having a definite start time is the first sign that it is all downhill from here. The people, their dogs, and their conveyances are decorated, but nothing like a real parade with floats.
http://www.sowal.com/photos-070405.html

I have only glimpsed the Seaside parade, years ago during the aforementioned clash. It is more elaborate with decorated floats and an absence of rust.

I have not seen the Rosemary parade, but am certain this guy is not in it:

http://www.sowal.com/050704-grayton-121.jpg

Having been in just about every Grayton Beach 4th of July parade since the beginning of time....I can say that you wouldn't even say that "Rosemary Beach" and/or "Seaside" were in the same league as the Grayton parade. Last year's parade was so organized and full of paraders I almost forgot where we were! :funn: Your description, Kurt, is right on the money. We started the parades more or less for something to do. There were only a few folks in the parade and no formal announcements about start time or route.

It did take a few years before we realized that the Seasiders didn't really appreciate the characters from the Grayton parade. Civilization is even reaching us now, though, and we seem to have a beginning time and place with refreshments at the conclusion.

We're already planning for this year's parade as our house is also celebrating a milestone....50 years old and full of memories. :clap_1: :clap_1:

[Bob]

We were renting in Grayton 2 years ago on July 4th, and we all loved the parade. The aftermath of the fireworks on the beach was not so enjoyable.

[Oldtimer]

We were renting in Grayton 2 years ago on July 4th, and we all loved the parade. The aftermath of the fireworks on the beach was not so enjoyable.


I agree about the fireworks. Just don't do the beach after dark on the 4th. I'm usually too tired anyway so it doesn't bother me. :funn:

[kurt]

I agree about the fireworks. Just don't do the beach after dark on the 4th. I'm usually too tired anyway so it doesn't bother me. :funn:

Your porch is a great and safe place to watch I would imagine. ;-)