The annual Southport Fourth of July Parade is always short and always sweet and this year’s did not disappoint.

Dozens of people turned out and listened to the Boothbay Region Community Band, which was set up in the Newagen library parking lot, before the parade. Many of the parade watchers were dressed in red, white and blue or carrying American flags. The parade proceeded past the library, where the Southport Island Association set up a table of breakfast food – coffee, doughnuts and more. A Southport fire truck led the parade, followed by this year’s Grand Marshal, Newagen resident Hamilton Meserve, who drove his own car, filled with family members and a couple of dogs.

The kids’ float, decorated to the hilt, honored America’s historical moments. Uncle Sam stood at the front and The Statue of Liberty waved to everyone from the back, as other kids on the float threw candy along the parade route.  Kids on bicycles, skateboards and in carriages, decorated in red, white and blue, followed behind. A red Austin-Healey, with American flags secured to its headlights, was also a parade entry, as was a truck, F ‘N A Enterprises, a Southport-based business.

After going to the nearby Newagen Seaside Inn, the parade returned and all enjoyed refreshments and conversation.