A Retrospective of the Historic Warren July 4th Parade
Posted on 7/26/2025 by David M. Dion
Well yet another amazing Warren 4th of July parade is a fond memory. Today I would like to re-visit the event and to thank the many folks whose unselfish contributions make this event a consistent hit in the Mad River Valley and Vermont.
My perspective on the parade is quite unique because I am one of the parade float judges who sits in the white gazebo in Warren Village. It’s quite literally the best seat in the house! And the honor is bestowed upon us to stand in judgment over each of the floats and their brief one act play. Will they be deemed Most Irreverent, or Funniest, or perhaps Most Memorable? Will bribes be offered, or accepted? The coveted award is to be deemed “Best in Show” and this year was a tie between Prickly Herd - Stampede for Democracy and Friends of the Valley (Sicky) - Gulf of Vermont.
In the good ole days Addy Munro was the announcer and Master of Ceremonies. His announcing narrative over the loudspeaker was casual and conversational. And he often filled in the delays while each float fell apart and pulled itself back together again. Addy always offered up historical references to many of the long-time participants. The Village People, Sickly, or the always anticipated Prickly Mountain. Or who was sitting on the throne of the Sugarbush float. Addy was always quick to offer a few subtle quips as each of the floats worked their way through the Village.
More recently Doug Bergstein and Alison Duckworth work the microphones as MCs. And they handle the task with aplomb! Indeed, it’s a demanding role to be able to accurately identify each float, describe what’s going on, and even dodge the occasional tossed candy or water gun blast. Sometimes they assist with a lost child, or getting a disabled person to Brooks Field, and one time even a float that caught fire! More on that later. Fun you say? I guess…
The head judge is Doctor Karen Anderson. She’s the one dressed from head to toe in sparkly red, white and blue. And yes, even her toes sparkle! Dr. K keeps track of each float and their message, and where in line they are. And then she works magic to come up with an appropriate award when deemed necessary.
I’m the one who’s usually dressed in a black gown and top hat. Sometimes I’m asked if I’m an undertaker but usually they figure it out and shout, “Here comes the judge!” And for the record, it’s the only time you’ll see me wearing a dress!
For more years than I can remember the wizard behind all the pageantry is Susan Klein. Lots of advanced preparation goes into parade day and Susan does most of the heavy lifting. Then when it’s showtime, if you ever wondered how all this chaos and mayhem can possibly come together so seamlessly, now you know. Susan is simply amazing!
Photo Credit: Photos By Kintz
This year Ben Olds took on the challenge to run the show (with Susan mentoring of course). Here’s hoping we will see Ben at the helm for many years to come!
Notable is long time MRV resident Brad Cook. Brad has been a mainstay at the Buddy Badge Prize Table for many years. I imagine it’s great fun for Brad to give away the prizes when one buddy finds another buddy with matching numbers. But it must be a bit challenging when all the prizes run out! Which reminds me. If you would like to donate to the Buddy Badge Prizes next year, please do not hesitate to reach out to me david@mrvre.com and I will get you to the right donation source.
The Warren and Waitsfield Fire Departments are always in the parade. And one time they were very much in need to put out a potentially catastrophic fire when a gas-powered generator overheated in the back of a pickup truck. Imagine trying to get a fire truck through a sea of up to 10,000 people!
And it’s amazing to me how Senator Bernie Sanders always manages to show up. I don’t know how he gets into the parade, or how he manages to slip away at the end of the parade route. Regardless of your view on his politics Bernie is always a hit.
And then there’s the amazing Mad River Valley Ambulance. They are always at the ready every other day of the year. And there always seems to be one emergency or another on parade day. Do they ever get a day off? They are very dedicated volunteers, and they all rock!
Let’s all give a collective shout out and thanks to all the volunteers who donate their time (and on a holiday) to make the Warren 4th of July Parade so enjoyable. And if you are interested in donating or helping on parade day please do not hesitate to reach out to the Mad River Valley Rotary Club.
Photo Credit: Photos By Kintz