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Celebrating the Holiday in Montrose

MONTROSE — Thousands crowded the streets of the Susquehanna County community for one of the biggest Fourth of July parades every year in our area. It̵...

MONTROSE -- Thousands crowded the streets of the Susquehanna County community for one of the biggest Fourth of July parades every year in our area.

It's the 36th year of the popular Independence Day celebration in Montrose.

Even with an estimated 10,000 people lining the parade route, Montrose keeps its small community feel on July fourth.

June Nassichuk of the Canadian Province of British Columbia came to see relatives, and take in Montrose`s holiday celebration.

"I`ve always wanted to come down to visit, and hear the American phrase, 'I love the Fourth of July,'" said June, wearing a T-shirt bearing an American flag. "I see parades on TV and I`m exited to visit family too."

This slice of Americana that makes up Montrose's Fourth of July includes,
All-American food like hot dogs, and chicken bar-b-cue.
People of all ages wear red white and blue.
The parade lasts more than an hour.
And the friendliness make visitors feel like they`re traveling back in time, to see an America that looks and feels like it did the early 1960s.

"Most people say hi to you, wave to you, ask how you`re doing," said Montrose native Sandra Thurlborg. "People still open doors for you."

Montrose Borough Council member and Lions Club leader Craig Reimel added, "It`s a country atmosphere. You`re out here, where it`s a little slower there`s not so much city going on."

"I think it`s the only town that has a real old fashioned parade," said Montrose's June Wootton, who wore red, white, and blue pinwheels on her headgear.

Montrose volunteers spend an entire year working on a celebration that gets better and a parade that gets longer.

June Nassichuk said one thing about July fourth in Montrose stands out.

"The people, they`re friendly," said June.

June Nassichuk can`t wait for the Wednesday night fireworks.

She also can`t wait to tell her friends in Canada, how an All-American community like Montrose celebrates July fourth.

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