Parade experience seems to be deteriorating due to a growing display of political campaining and business advertising....many of which did not even display a patriotic symbol on their vehicle. The essence of July 4th seems to be an afterthought for many entries.

It was a great parade. Happy Fourth of July! God Bless America and America Bless God!

We were in the parade - Northcoast Miata Club - 10 great looking Miatas. The parade was full of politicians because it's a heavy campaign year. We waited 2 1/2 hours in the line up before we joined the parade - toooo long - need a better way of getting everyone going. Otherwise, a great day to celebrate our independence - although hot and humid. Good to see you Amanda!

The parade hasn't been the same since the incident that took the horses out of the mix. I used to really enjoy it-in fact I rode my horse in the bicentenial parade in 1976. But now it seems like alot of sirens and politicians. But I am glad people enjoy it. My only real complaint this year is that, living on Baird Rd on the Kent Rd end, once all the cars were gone, there were pop bottles and trash in the ditches. I know most people wouldnt do that on their own street-please don't do it on mine!

Thanks Geoff for adding the camel pictures!

I agree with Thomas. There was very little in terms of the spirit of the holiday. It was centered around campaigns and businesses. It was also one of the longest parades I think Stow has ever put on. Back in the day, the Independence Day Parade was roughly 30 - 45 minutes long and centered completely around Independence Day, veterans, and community organizations like the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts (who had a red, white and blue theme). This year's parade was nearly two and half hours long. While it still contained some elements of yesteryear, the parade as a whole seems to have lost its' direction.

Next year, can we please return to a more traditional Independence Day Parade? Those of us who have served would greatly appreciate it.

I agree fullheartedly, John. Let's get back to the real purpose of a July 4th parade. Although our car club members decorated their cars accordingly, we were glad to be part of the day. Large street equipment is really out of line no matter who the company represents. Perhaps volunteering on the parade committee by many of us would help the event.

I would volunteer for next year. But, I plan on moving my family out of Ohio by this time next year. My professional experiences just simply are not in demand in Ohio, with the exception of Write-Patt AFB down in Dayton. We will hopefully be back in Monterey, California by this time next year.

Which leads me to a suggestion for next year's July 4th festivities. In Monterey, instead of a parade, there was an all day festival. The main street in Monterey would be closed. Vendors and festivities would line the street and people would be free to come and go all day long.

Perhaps Stow can close down part of 59 or 91 and have an all day festival instead of a parade. It was always lots of fun when I've seen it done in other towns.

Correction: Wright-Patt

We had four chairs stolen that we had left out the night before. I enjoyed the parade though, just very hot.