“The 250th committee was ecstatic,” said Chairwoman Traci Domenico. “We were greatly surprised and humbled that so many came to see our 1776 Parade, especially with so many other parades going on throughout the county, we really didn’t expect this turnout, but boy are we grateful!”

The parade began under cloudy skies. The Townwide bells were rung 13 times and a blast from a confetti cannon made by Boy Scout Troop 262 signaled the start of the parade.

At the head of the parade and the beating drums, two young Girl Scouts – adorned in 1776 clothing – led the way carrying the Hanover Banner.

The American Legion Color Guard followed, proudly carrying the American Flag while the 250th committee members and town dignitaries marched close behind.

The parade begins.

There were 16 of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence in their full 1776 attire, carrying name signs and marching honorably down the streets to the drum and fife team’s tune of Yankee Doodle Dandy. While some signers handed out candy to the crowd, a notable “John Hancock” shared feather pens with children and adults alike.

The Forestville High-school drummers, led by newly retired Jay Hagan, even drew many period-appropriate dressed residents into the parade itself. “We were so happy to see the community join in the fun.” Domenico added.

To the joy of the onlookers and the celebration planners, the horses, buggies and ponies were the final important part of the 1776 Parade. “We had hoped for at least one or two horses to represent and help us recall how important horses were in 1776 and our prayers were more than answered! We are so grateful for those who came,” said Co-chair Aimee Rogers.

The parade ended at the Forestville American Legion and the ceremony began to a crowd of approximately 300 attendees who mostly sat or stood under the large tent set up in case of rain or sun. “When we stood at the podium we couldn’t believe the turnout!” remarked Domenico. “We figured if no one showed up, the committee would still have a good time, but it sure was nice to share it with so many.”

The program began with an opening prayer by Pastor Mike Pollock from Gage Chapel in Smith Mills, then The National Anthem sung by Doug Allen. Emcee American Legion Commander Tom Halicki welcomed everyone and introduced each of the speakers: Town Historian Vince Martonis read the Declaration of Independence; Village of Silver Creek Historian/Town Supervisor Louis F. Pelletter read Washington\’s Prayer and Washington\’s Dream; Silver Creek Mayor Kathy Tampio spoke about American history; Town Clerk Elizabeth VanCheri announced the winner of the Town Logo; Chairwoman Traci Domenico thanked everyone and introduced the 250th committee and Co-chair Aimee Rogers introduced the 16 signers who, once announced, took their places on the outside stage re-enacting the famous painting by John Trumbull of the signing of the Declaration. Once they were in place, Doug Allen sang an emotional God Bless America. The ceremony wrapped up with a final prayer by Pastor Pollock and a thank you for coming by Commander Halicki.

Notable names are pictured in the Fourth of July parade.

The fun continued with a BBQ pulled pork luncheon; a sand-pit for the kids; kids crafts; an Apple Pie Contest; a 1776 Attire Contest and an Art Contest. Inside the Legion were historic exhibits of Revolutionary War items; exhibits featuring George Wahington and displays of collectibles pertaining to past July 4th celebrations; the for the logo contest and the Art displays. A welcome tent where attendees signed the guest book and were able to purchase souvenirs was also available.

The festivities concluded on a musical note with a Contra Band and dancing inside the Legion due to the heat.

A remarkable and memorable day celebrating those brave men who risked their lives and their fortunes for a dream that became a reality: the founding of a new nation, the United States of America.

The winners of the contests were:

— Hanover Town Logo and Slogan Contest winner and recipient of $250 from the Town of Hanover: Noah Pears, a Forestville High School student.

Apple Pie Contest: 1st Place: Sandra Rice; 2nd Place: Brenda Schneider; 3rd Place: Karen Kwaitkowski

1776 Attire Contest: 1st Place: Sharon Rhinehart, 2nd Place: Steve Rhinehart, 3rd Place: Vince Martonis

Judges Choice for categories not listed in the 1776 Attire Contest: Honorable Mention: The Randy and Andrea Thompson Family; Honorable Mention: Wayne and Beverly Ashley as a couple.

Art Contest:

Acrylic Painting Winners: 1st Alexa Dietman (Silver Creek Central School), 2nd Helle Havstrup (Silver Creek Central School), 3rd River Ruth (Silver Creek Central School)

Road Trip USA: 1st Matos Family – Greetings from California (Forestville Central School); 2nd Schneider Family – Greetings from Florida (Forestville Central School); 3rd Gould Family – Greetings from South Carolina (Forestville Central School).

Across America: 1st Stella Kimmerly – Falls (Forestville Central School); 2nd Campese Family – Chicago Bean (Forestville Central School); 3rd Lyla Wilson – Space Ship Earth (Forestville Central School).

Drawings: 1st Aiden Kilburn – Eagle and Bison on the Flag (Silver Creek Central School); 2nd Sekera Snyder – Eagle on the Flag (Silver Creek Central School); 3rd Summer Sanden – Don’t Tread on Me (Silver Creek Central School).

The 16 Signers: Wayne Ashley as Richard Henry Lee; Bob Bradigan as Thomas Jefferson; Merv Fry as Dr. Benjamin Rush; Dan Grande as George Ross; Dave Grandin as Roger Sherman; Tom Halicki as Benjamin Franklin; Rick Klisiewicz as John Adams; Vince Martonis as Elbridge Gerry; Elise Mills as William Floyd; John O’Connor as John Penn; Pastor Mike Pollock as Rev. John Witherspoon; John Rogers II as Sam Adams; John Rogers III as George Walton; Kevin Rogers as John Hancock; Dean Salzman as Benjamin Harrison and Dennis Wilson as James Wilson.