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An American Legion color guard troops the colors in the Dundalk Heritage Parade.
photo by Roland Dorsey History-themed parade wows Dundalk crowd by Nicole Rodman
Sunny skies and smiling faces prevailed at the 76th annual Dundalk Heritage Parade, held this year on Saturday, July 3.
The theme of the parade was “Dundalk Memories” and many along the parade route were sharing their own memories of past parades.
“We’ve been coming to this parade since we moved to Dundalk,” said Nancy Dimick of Cornwall Rd.
“We wouldn’t miss it.”
As the parade participants made their way through the shopping center, past a Rite Aid store decorated with pictures of a Dundalk long since passed, the theme of “Dundalk Memories” was reflected in many of the floats.
The trip down memory lane began as the antique fire engines made their way out of the Logan Village shopping center, following their modern counterparts. The Schweigman family took first place among the antique engines with their 1951 Ward LaFrance Pumper.
Following the fire equipment came the rousing sounds of the Carolina Gold Drum & Bugle Corps.
Next were the parade grand marshals, including former Dundalk Eagle editor Wayne Laufer, masters of ceremonies and parade judges.
The contributions of World War II and Korean War veterans were acknowledged as many stood for the passing heroes.
A Rosie the Riveter float, honoring the contributions of working women during World War II, took the first place award in the veterans and military groups category.
As it is an election year, the appearance of state and local politicians stirred the passions of many in the crowd. As Gov. Martin O’Malley and his challenger in this year’s election, former governor Bob Ehrlich, passed by, a mixture of boos and cheers filled the air, with most of the boos directed at O’Malley.
Also partipating in the parade were the Dundalk- Patapsco Neck Historical Society, which took first place on the community floats category, and the Aisquith Sharpshooters War of 1812 ReenactmentCompany, who presented a few Dundalk memories that not even the oldest citizens could recall.
CCBC Dundalk won the theme award for its float, “Memories of Our Schools,” featuring memorable teachers from many area schools.
All in all, the parade was a success, but, for now, the crowds, vendors, bands and floats have departed and the fair grounds have again become a park. And the Heritage Association of Dundalk, along with Parade chairwoman Patricia Herman, takes a moment to catch their breath before planning begins for next year. PARADE WINNERS
First-, second- and third-place winners each received a ribbon, as did four honorable mention entries. A trophy was awarded to the entry with the best expression of this year’s theme. Judges were Roy Moreland and Bob Lyden (chairmen), Debbie Smith, Ron Shaeffer, John Huber, Erik Washington and George Evans.
Antique Fire Engines
First Place: 1951 Ward LaFrance Pumper-Schweigman family
Second Place: 1962 Mack B - Glenn Spacek
Third Place: 1966 C-95 Mack - Sean Spacek
Antique Vehicles
First Place: 1926 Ford Model TT Truck - Jeff and Ed Miller
Second Place: Ravens Car - Greg Hudnet
Third Place: Orioles Car- Greg Hudnet
Color/Honor Guards
First Place: Vietnam Veterans of America Baltimore Chapter 451
Second Place: Baltimore County Police Honor Guard
Third Place: Northeastern American Legion Post #285
Commercial Floats
First Place: Donna’s Tavern and Restaurant
Second Place: Dundalk Florist
Third Place: Mars Supermarket
Community Floats
First Place: Dundalk Patapsco-Neck Historical Society
Second Place: Community College of Baltimore County- Dundalk Campus
Third Place: Peter Rabbit Day Nursery
Veteran/Military Groups
First Place: Rosie the Riveters
Second Place: Maryland National Guard 1st Battalion 175th Infantry
Third Place: World War II and Korean War Veterans of Dundalk
Youth Groups
First Place: Pizzazz
Second Place: Cub Scout Pack and Boy Scout Troop #409
Third Place: Rising Starz Dance
Religious Organizations
First Place: 4th Degree Maryland Knights of Columbus Color Corps
Second Place: Our Lady of Hope/St. Luke School
Novelty Group
First Place: Ronald McDonald of Dundalk
Second Place: Freestate Clown Alley #30
Third Place: Kim’s Krypt
Community Marchers
First Place: Hadfield/ Crandall “The New Candidates”
Second Place: Untouchables Marching Band
Third Place: Charm City Roller Girls
Decorated Vehicles
First Place: Debrick & Stulich Group of Remax Signature
Second Place: Charlene Osbourne, Baltimore’s Favorite Hon
Third Place: Aisquith’s Sharpshooters War of 1812 Reenactment Company
Recreation Council
First Place: Edgemere-Sparrows Point Vipers Lacrosse
Second Place: Watersedge Recreation Council Dancers
Third Place: Grange Tap & Ballet
Honorable Mention
Charm City Choppers Motorcycle Club
Chesapeake Corvette Club
Dream Cruisers Car Club
Eastern Wrestling Alliance
Theme Award “Dundalk Memories”
Community College of Baltimore County- Dundalk Campus
Robert O’Neil Award
(In memory of committee member Robert O’Neil)
Pizzazz
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