The 4th of July parade and fireworks in Patagonia had special significance this year, bringing people together to celebrate not only the holiday, but also a return to a semblance of normalcy after more than a year of isolation during the pandemic.
Holding the festivities was the brainchild of Town Manager Ron Robinson, who named the event “Our Recovery Parade,” according to Linda Shore, of the Sky Islands Tourist Association (SITA). The event was sponsored by the Town, SITA and the Patagonia Fire Dept, and organized by Denise Bowdon. The Grand Marshalls of the parade this year were Ike and Diane Isakson.
Although the parade, and the crowds watching it, were smaller than in years past, everyone was excited to be out and part of the celebration.
“All the participants glowed,” wrote one parade watcher. “The people around us were full of the Fourth of July spirit.”
“Next year we are hoping to expand,” said Shore. “It is the beginning of more parades to come.”
