Burke Street parade continues tradition

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

The 27th annual Burke Street parade will continue the annual tradition of celebrating the Fourth of July holiday in the community.

This year, the parade is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. Friday, July 4, near the home of Frank Halsey, 1222 S. Burke St. Over the years, the parade has typically started at the corner of 10th and Burke streets near the home of John and Margaret Kerr, where the parade originated 27 years ago, but parade co-organizer Margaret Humphrey said planners have changed the starting point this year.

"We usually meet on 10th and Burke, but because we are having refreshments there, we will change the starting point," Humphrey said.

The parade will start near the Halsey residence, and follow a route to the entrance of Gunn Park, 1010 Park Ave., and end at the home of Teresa Bahr near the corner of 10th and Burke streets, where participants and parade watchers will be able to socialize and enjoy refreshments, Humphrey said.

"Everyone is welcome to be in the parade or observe and can sit on anyone's yard," she said.

Humphrey and local resident Susan Foster organized the parade several years ago. The parade typically features marchers, bikes and strollers, decorated dogs, a horse and tractor, costumed characters, motorcycles, cars, and synchronized lawn-mower teams. Participants are also encouraged to wear red, white and blue attire in celebration of the patriotic holiday.

The parade will only be canceled should torrential rain or other severe weather threaten the area on the morning of the parade. For more information on the parade, contact Humphrey at (620) 223-0388, or Bahr at 223-1582.