FORESTVILLE - The rain lifted and the sun appeared right on time Sunday for the Bicentennial Parade in Forestville. Nearly 25 various individuals and groups marched through the village streets entertaining residents and guests.
Senator Cathy Young took time out from her busy schedule to attend the parade and to present the Village of Forestville with an official Proclamation in honor of the special occasion. "We'll go down in NY State history books for having our 200th anniversary," said Forestville Bicentennial Committee Chairwoman Marilyn Sticek.
The Forestville Hornet Marching Band and Forestville Middle School Marching Band performed for the crowd, as well as the Chadwick Bay Buccaneers and Falconer Central High School Marching Band.
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Top: Several parade participants Sunday did their best to take onlookers back to an earlier time.
Some parade participants were on foot, others atop horses, and some were inside covered wagons or riding on tractors.
Onlookers were entertained by performances from Infinity Dance Academy, Sparkling Kadets, Matteson Kempo Karate, the 96th Highland Pipe Band, and many others.
Residents were encouraged to wear clothing dating back to the village's beginning two centuries ago. Forestville elementary student Karli Campaign looked the part in a dress, hand-made by her grandmother, Thelma Campaign.
Members of the Ninth New York Cavalry not only dressed for the occasion when they marched in the parade, but they also performed a Civil War Re-enactment earlier this weekend.
Vendors, crafters and amusements were set up throughout the village in spite of the rainy morning. "They were all here on time, they just opened up a little later," Sticek said.
Several groups gathered to enjoy the parade together, including members from Forestville's graduating Class of 1988. The parade served as the finale for their 20-year reunion celebration.
Pony rides and an Antique Road Show were scheduled after the parade as the celebratory weekend came to an end.
