Monroe County celebrated the nation’s semiquincentennial with a grand Fourth of July parade showcasing seven lively divisions that included patriotic floats, veterans, bands, firetrucks, nonprofits, local businesses, children’s groups and Old Glory.

The last Fourth of July parade held in the county seat was for the bicentennial in 1976.

Saturday’s event kicked off at 10 a.m. at Stroudsburg High School on West Main Street and ended at Dansbury Park in East Stroudsburg, where Independence Day festivities were held later. And the weather was patriotic, with a sky of blue and white, and red-hot temperatures in the 90s.

“This will go down as one of the better parades in Monroe County,” said 93.5 SBG morning host Chuck Seese, who emceed the event with BRC-TV 13 news anchor George Roberts and former state Sen. Mario Scavello.

“I’ve received so many positive comments about the parade, and it’s easy to see why,” said Monroe County Commissioner Vice Chair David Parker, who chairs the county’s America250PA efforts.

“This milestone brought our communities together, with local municipalities, historical and cultural associations, fire companies, marching bands, veteran organizations, and many others from the West End and the Plateau to Shawnee and the Stroudsburgs proudly taking part,” he said.

A float depicting U.S. Marines raising the American flag on Iwo Jima was “outstanding,” said Linda Riedmiller of Stroudsburg, who watched the parade with her 102-year-old mom. Parker also noted that the float — presented by American Legion Post 346 of East Stroudsburg — was very moving “and a powerful tribute.”

Stroudsburg residents/friends Kim Jabbour and Joann Jaggard-Lim attended the event to show their patriotism and also support their husbands, who volunteer with the borough’s fire department. Like many others, they were dressed in red, white and blue themed attire.

Six-year-old Benjamin Gyorfi of East Stroudsburg was hoping to getting candy, while his 11-year-old brother Alex was interested in seeing the floats and costumes. “We enjoy coming to the parades,” said their mom, Beckie. Their dad, Dale, and grandma, Nancy, also were looking forward to the fanfare for America’s 250th birthday.

Spectators near the corner of Seventh and Main streets enjoyed hearing Diane Taitt sing “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “God Bless America” before the procession began. Taitt regularly sings with the Pocono Summer Chorus, the Trinity Centennial Band and St. Luke’s Church.

An opening prayer by George Washington was shared by Rev. Monica Guepet of Stroudsburg United Methodist Church.

Blue Ridge Communications TV13 broadcast the parade live, with replays during the weekend. When not recognizing the roughly 70 different entries, the emcees highlighted local historical milestones. For example, in 1805 the Monroe Stone Schoolhouse was built and in 1836 Monroe County was officially established, named in honor of President James Monroe.

“The parade was well represented by the military and all of the first responders,” said Stroud Township resident Doris Masten. She enjoyed the event, but added that she was disappointed by the lack of vendors along Main Street, saying she would have enjoyed buying a hot pretzel.

An All-American Picnic, hosted by the Eastburg Community Alliance, did take place immediately after the parade around noon at Miller Park and Crystal Street.

Some attendees felt there could have been more spectators, especially along the Stroudsburg portion of the route, noting that the streets are always packed for the Saint Patrick’s Day celebration.

Mike Fanucci of Summerfield, Florida, was visiting Pennsylvania for cooler weather and staying at the Penn Stroud Hotel. “It’s been horrible hot,” he said, with a laugh, “but it’s an awesome parade.”

“I love a good parade,” agreed Navy veteran Rick Kozlowski of Stroudsburg.

The event was the culmination of more than a year’s planning for the semiquincentennial, with county subcommittees involved in many aspects of the historic anniversary.

At the end of the broadcast, Roberts expressed thanks to everyone who made the parade happen. Many sponsors were also recognized for their support.