Nederland celebrates Above, left; One of Nederland’s fire trucks drives in the Fourth of July parade. Above, right; People made their way down the Nederland parade route in all kinds of ways. This duo was exceptionally coordinated.[/caption]

I am not sure if it was because of the pandemic or another reason altogether. However, this year’s Fourth of July parade in Nederland was attended like no other I have seen. The parade participants were also more numerous than in recent years.

Area businesses got on board by making donations. Twelve local businesses donated $25 each to support the parade this year. Parade organizer Littlefoot said, “We’re back in the saddle,” and thanked the generous donors for their support of the event.

It is always wonderful to pay tribute to our area fire departments and first responders. We need them in our

I am always grateful to see them in parades because I know they are not being called out for an emergency. Nederland, Timberline and Sugarloaf Fire Departments all came with multiple vehicles. And the crowd was eager to show their appreciation.

As in all Nederland parades, there were people on bicycles. The local yaks made an appearance. The mules reminded me of Nederland’s past mining days. Think how many mules must have once walked the streets of Nederland and the surrounding area.

The Nederland Community Library was represented. The Nederland Community Presbyterian Church was in the parade handing out treats for people and pups. An array of old and new cars drove the parade route and as well as a couple of old tractors. Smokey Bear walked the route with a forest ranger reminding us now for generations that we can help prevent forest fires. There were so many interesting entries this year.

Each year when I hear the Barker Dam Brass Band I wish I heard them more often. This year they played across from Salto and entertained the crowd with their upbeat fun music during the parade. It was music that got your toe tapping and put a smile on everyone’s face.

The crowd was enthusiastic and there was a mood of delight among the people for being out and in each other’s company.

I hope Nederland does not soon forget that strong sense of community that pulsed through the crowd on this Fourth of July, 2021. There was that small town charm that should not be taken for granted. Wouldn’t it be nice if we could capture some of that close-knit community-strong energy and store it in a bottle and it around the next time we see the opposite happening in a town meeting or in our schools or in a disagreement about housing.

A fine day for a parade Top, left; Nederland residents dress up in red, white and blue to celebrate the USA. Above, right; An old truck and an old cabin remind us of Nederland’s past. Bottom, left; Timberline firefighter Chip Smith drives Timberline’s 1924 Chevrolet Obenchain-Boyer Chemical Engine in the parade. PHOTOS BY SARA SANDSTROM[/caption]

As we come out of the Covid pandemic (we all hope) it was a wonderful way to celebrate and be around our neighbors again.