By Glenn Rolfe

MILLSBORO — For some 16 years, the Fourth of July and America’s independence was celebrated at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, with a children’s parade around the labyrinth.

That ended after 2022 due to a decline in participation.

The patriotic concept has been taken over by the American Legion Unit 28 Auxiliary, which will hold the 4th of July Makenzie Community Parade on July 4.

It is named for Makenzie Mood, an Auxiliary Unit 28 Junior member who was heartbroken last year to find out there was no parade at St. Mark’s.

“Makenzie is one of our Junior members. She has been doing this parade since she was little. Last year she would not believe her parents that there was no parade. And she actually made them drive by there,” said Unit 28 member Beth McGinn. “When I saw her, she said she really missed the parade. So, I said, ‘We’re going to do this parade in your honor.’ Now, it’s our turn.”

Open to all in the community, the event will begin with pre-parade festivities at 11 a.m. at the pavilion area at Post 28, located on Legion Road off SR 24 several miles east of the Town of Millsboro.

Participants, children and adults, are encouraged to decorate bikes, wagons and themselves in patriotic red, white and blue to celebrate the spirit of freedom and unity.

“Decorate your golf carts, your bikes, dogs, and themselves,” said Ms. McGinn. “Whatever they want, bring it on out.”

Following the Pledge of Allegiance and other festivities, the parade will begin around 11:30 a.m. A circular parade area will be marked off near the pavilion.

Makenzie will serve as Junior Grand Marshal and Dottie Lecates, who was instrumental in the event previously held at St. Mark’s, is being asked to serve as the Senior Grand Marshall.

There will be free hot dogs, cold drinks, possibly ice cream, and prizes for those attending.

For more information, contact June Jones at 484-571-9214 or Beth McGinn at 302-381-3897.