ABOUT TOWN: Stoughton's July 4th Parade a Huge Success

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to noted defense attorney Robert Jubinville, a two-time candidate for Governor's Council representing the Town of Stoughton, as well as a wider district.  Let's hope that he decides to run for something. He's that kind of guy!  

PARADE A HUGE SUCCESS: It was a hot one, that's for sure. But, this year's July 4th parade was another big success for the Stoughton Community Events Committee. Thousands turned out along the route to watch a variety of acts perform, and to see an interesting array of vehicles.

Before the parade, a few dozen people played trivia with this columnist, and walked away with gift certificates courtesy of MacDonald's in Stoughton. Jeff Connors, a Stoughton resident and owner of Audio PA Systems, provided the sound, and allowed the downtown crowd to hear what was going on.

And, there was a lot going on.

First there was the roar of the police vehicles, and Police Chief and Executive Officer Robert Devine the leading the parade on foot. Police vehicles included cruisers, paddy wagons, bicyles, and four-wheel off-road vehicles.

Then, there was the parade of Fire Engines and Ladder Trucks, led by the vehicle of Acting Fire Chief Mark Dolloff. Other local fire departments, including Holbrook, Avon, Bridgewater, West Bridgewater and Easton also appeared in the parade.

Dave Sheehan of the Norfolk County Sheriff's Department, and the VFW Honor Guard were next. On foot, Selectmen John Stagnone, John Anzivino, John Anderson, and Steve Anastos were joined by Moderator Howard Hansen and Town Manager Francis T. Crimmins, Jr. Selectman Cynthia Walsh rode with her nephew, town meeting member John Walsh, Jr.

Then, School Committee Chairman Joyce Husseini and SC members Allan Mills, George Dolinsky, and Deb Sovinee marched. State Senator Brian Joyce handed out his patented blue balloons while marching with his family. Also doing the long walk in the hot sun was Norfolk County District Attorney Michael Morrissey.

The Stoughton Housing Authority (with Peter Buckley), the Boy Scout Troops (with Scoutmaster John Walsh), and Girl Scouts were next. Then, came the winners of the Bicycle, Carriage and Trike from yesterday's . They included: Nancy Reed, Hannah Gleason, Gavin Alexson, Audrey Fresina, Lila Rogers, Eric Boykin, Hannah Mace, Alla Parcewski, Arianna Fresina, Victoria Dantzler, Tanner Rogers and Emma McSweeny.

Lou's Custom Exhaust, The Elite Health & Fitness Hummer (with Kevin "Guns" Wilson aboard), the Honey Dew Donuts Truck (with owner Gary Lewis), and one of the original Coca Cola Trucks (which now houses Worcester Light & Sound) were next. Bob Dupont drove a DPW machine and did a 180 with it, while Andrew Patterson drove a DPW ten wheeler. John Sawyer and his son cruised by in a 1966 Rambler, and Rich Jasmin drove a flatbed featuring the rock band, "24 South."

The South Shore Corvette Club, South Shore Antique Club, and Model T Club all came by with some very beautiful and sometimes rare automobiles.

The and League Stoughton Youth Baseball Major League Champions were on trucks, led by their managers Paul Sullivan and Paul Trombley.

Then came  the Titans Drum and Bugle Corps and the Mass Brass Brand (in a truck owned by Ralph Sellito of Stoughton.)

One element of the Parade that didn't go down well with the crowd was "Bob's Showtime," a truck owned by Bob & Jean Raymond of Epping, NH, that literally left rubber and blew smoke in the face of dozens of people. This was supposed to be entertaining, but those in the crowd I spoke to were only annoyed.

The Girls Bantom Softball Champs came by next, along with the Hot Tomale Brass Band, and a six wheeler from the DPW, driven by Al Pedro. , driven by Michael Varner and carrying the No Bullying Banner, was next, followed closely by the Boston Windjammers, led by Russ Weisman.

The Middle School sports champs were followed closely by the 14 & 15 year old Babe Ruth Baseball champs. Stoughton's Tibby Arujo drove by in a 1955 Chevy, and then the grande finale was Canada's Stentors Drum and Bugle Corps.  

I was honored to once again be able to host the Parade. The Stoughton Community Events Committee deserves another round of applause! The Committee is Joe Mokrisky, Chairman; Bob Desmond, Vice Chairman; Heidee Anastos, Michael Beder, Ron Dardano, Maria Faria, Heather Genereux, Susie Gross, Janet Jasmin, Lynne McCormack, Dan McGowan, Paula Meyers, Nancy Patterson, Reggie Kowalczykowski, Laurice Rubel, Fran Stetson, Kevin Stetson, Brian Walsh, Carlene Walsh, Dennis Walsh, John Walsh, Jr. and Rachel Ann Walsh.

Cheers to all. See you all next at the !

Take a look at some photos from this year's July 4th parade in the media gallery above. Check Stoughton Patch later today to see a photo gallery, featuring dozens of more pictures from Monday's parade.