There Was No Raining on Lyme’s Parade

Despite forecasts calling for showers and thunderstorms, Lyme’s annual 4th of July parade went on as planned and under glorious sunny skies.

For years now, the residents of Lyme have celebrated the holiday with a parade. What initially began as a neighborhood event organized by retired pediatrician Dr. William Irving has since mushroomed into a townwide celebration large enough to warrant a permit and require state troopers to redirect traffic around the parade route.  

The colorful parade started at Camp Claire, winding its way along Cove Road and Route 154 to end at the Lyme Grange with a town picnic. Like all good parades, there were vintage fire trucks and homemade floats, and lots of kids sporting face paint and waving flags.

The Town of Lyme is now officially involved in the event, with the Parks and Recreation Department providing food and entertainment, and both Lyme First Selectman Ralph Eno and Selectman Parker Lord joined the fun. Lord, who has been participating in historic reenactments for about 35 years now, was joined by a few compatriots all dressed to kill in traditional garb from the French Indian War era.  

Children representing Camp Claire were out in force and members of the Corgi Clan (a group of local corgi enthusiasts that meets once a month at Ashland Farm for coffee) were there with their dogs, naturally. Two for the Show provided musical entertainment but the real show-stopper was five-year-old Katelyn Tryon, who gave a rousing rendition of the National Anthem.

“She just loves to sing!” said her mom, Rose.