The 57th Saratoga Flag Day Parade

People of all ages gathered down Broadway despite the heat for Saratoga-Wilton Elks Lodge Annual Flag Day Parade on Saturday, June 13. The parade featured coalitions of local organizations parading from North Broadway to Congress Park.

There was an extra scent of patriotism in the air in celebration of America’s semi-quincentennial anniversary. Floats, buses and outfits were decked out for the special year, although Flag Day commemorates the adoption of the American Flag in 1777. More importantly it was a day celebrating local community. 

Local high school ensembles were marching down Broadway performing “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “The Battle Hymn of the Republic.”

Uncle Sam was seen downtown, along with sailors from the Navy, and even llamas were in attendance.

Back in January there were concerns that there would not be funding for this year’s parade. Local officials came together with Saratoga-Wilton Elks Lodge to make the tradition happen, marking the 57th annual Flag Day parade in Saratoga.