There was no raining on this parade

Tractors, antique farm equipement, vintage cars and kids on bikes promenade through downtown Milton Mills during its 4th of July parade on Friday. (Harrison Thorp photos)

MILTON MILLS - If George Washington and his army could brave a bitterly cold winter at Valley Forge, it seemed only fitting that the Milton Mills 4^th of July parade could brave a cloudy sky.

And it did.

Though attendance was sparse at what could be the smallest, quirkiest and quaintest Independence Day celebration in the land, the goats, dressed-up dogs, antique cars, Uncle Sams, politicians and kids on bikes were all there just the same.

With the threat of heavy rain imminent, it was a game time decision by MFPL Director and parade organizer Betsy Baker to give the go-ahead.

She tossed the dice, and when she signaled for the old bell in the former schoolhouse to ring to start the historic march for the first time, the atmosphere was electric.

Paul Carlson shows his patriotism during Milton's Fourth of July Parade on Friday.

Children squealed as they mounted their bikes adorned in red, white and blue.

With Baker queuing up floats, emergency vehicles, antique cars and goats, the parade was off.

As the parade make its familiar circuitous path through the downtown, however, it was fairly clear paradegoers were outnumbered by paraders as huge gaps where onlookers normally lined the streets were empty.

But there’s always a silver lining. The children who were there had little competition for the candy flung from cars and floats. For them it was a great Independence Day.

Emma Richards in rapt attention as she focuses on a candy toss anticipated from a passing vehicle.

A bemused Butterfingers Da Klown after failed stare-down with Uncle Sam.

Mark Hughes of Milton Mills in his 1940 Plymouth, which he races throughout Maine as part of the Wicked Good Vintage Racing motor club.