Sara Sandstrom-Kobi, Nederland. On the Fourth of July, 2020, Nederland had to put aside their annual spirited parade. Traditionally crowds line the streets to watch area fire trucks, the Barker Brass, dogs, bicycles and sometimes even a yak parade through downtown Nederland. It is always a fun time!

This year, a time of social distancing, there was a small unadvertised parade. Tin Shed Sports gathered a group of locals on bicycles. There was a police escort and they made their way from the RTD Park and Ride down First Street, turning at Snyder’s Garage, down Second Street to Teens, Inc and back around to Tin Shed/Salto. 

The many people hanging around Nederland seemed to enjoy the impromptu parade to celebrate the holiday. I heard one gentleman with a hearty laugh genuinely say, “That was one of the best little parades I have ever seen.”

There was a good energy of fun and enjoyment. Thanks to the participants who gave us a smile, even if it was under a mask. The mask does not have to stop us from showing joy, appreciation and celebrating the signing of the Declaration of Independence. 

“May we think of freedom, not as the right to do as we please, but the opportunity to do what is right.” -Peter Marshall

(Originally published in the July 9, 2020, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)